Petrol battlefield: ICPC plans NMDPRA boss probe after Dangote petition
ICPC to Investigate Dangote’s Petition Against NMDPRA CEO Farouk Ahmed Amid Controversy
The Nigerian oil and gas sector is facing fresh controversy after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirmed it would investigate allegations made against Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), by Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group.
Dangote submitted the petition on December 16, 2025, through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), urging the ICPC to probe, prosecute, and potentially arrest Ahmed over alleged financial impropriety. The petition claims that Ahmed spent more than $7 million on the six-year education of his four children in Switzerland without a lawful source of income.
“That Engr. Farouk Ahmed has grossly abused his office contrary to the extant provisions of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and, by so doing, enmeshed himself in monumental corruption and unlawful spending of public funds running into millions of dollars,” the petition stated.
Details of the Allegation
- Dangote named the children and the Swiss schools attended, providing alleged amounts to enable ICPC verification.
- The petition claimed Ahmed diverted public funds for personal gain via the NMDPRA, fueling public outrage and civil society protests.
- Dangote noted that successful prosecution could lead to a five-year prison sentence without the option of a fine, emphasizing the alleged breach of public trust.
ICPC spokesperson John Odey confirmed receipt of the petition, assuring that it will be “duly investigated.”
Legal and Civil Society Backlash
A coalition of 40 lawyers under Lawyers in Defence of Democracy and Anti-Corruption condemned the allegations as baseless, calling Dangote’s media campaign “malicious” and a direct attempt to portray Ahmed as guilty without due process.
Lawyers, including Emeka Okafor and Barrister Mohammed Bello, argued that Ahmed’s regulatory actions were in the national interest, designed to curb monopolistic practices and encourage investment in the petroleum sector. They emphasized that grievances should be addressed through proper legal channels rather than public campaigns.
Student and Civil Society Reactions
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) described the allegations as a media smear campaign against a man of proven integrity. Signed by Samson Ajasa and Humphrey Jonathan, NANS stressed that regulatory bodies like NMDPRA must not be coerced or intimidated and called for lawful engagement between Dangote Refinery and regulators.
Over 50 civil society organizations, led by Comrade Ibrahim Bello of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, dismissed Dangote’s claims as unfounded, highlighting the anti-monopoly stance of NMDPRA and its role in stabilizing Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Industry Support for Farouk Ahmed
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) publicly backed Ahmed, citing his regulatory reforms, transparency, and efforts to improve operational efficiency in the downstream sector. Dr. Joseph Obele and Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry warned that Dangote’s statements could deter investors and destabilize fuel markets.
PETROAN also raised concerns over unresolved labor disputes at Dangote Refinery, highlighting that prolonged conflicts could disrupt supply, inflate prices, and weaken investor confidence. The association urged President Tinubu to intervene to restore stability, uphold the Petroleum Industry Act, and ensure a fair operating environment.
Dangote’s Public Allegations
At a press briefing at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, Dangote reiterated calls for a full investigation into Ahmed’s finances and suggested that the regulator’s actions amounted to economic sabotage. He claimed that $5 million was spent on Ahmed’s children’s education in Switzerland, urging the Code of Conduct Tribunal to examine the matter.
Ahmed and the NMDPRA had previously dismissed similar claims in July 2025, calling them orchestrated smear campaigns meant to discredit the authority’s leadership.
Underlying Sector Tensions
The controversy highlights the friction between domestic refineries, investors, and regulators in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector. Since the phased operations at Dangote Refinery commenced, disagreements have arisen over import licenses, crude supply, pricing transparency, and the role of local refineries in meeting national fuel demand.
While ICPC investigates Dangote’s petition, stakeholders including PETROAN, NANS, lawyers, and civil society groups are emphasizing due process, the presumption of innocence, and constructive engagement to maintain stability and investor confidence in Nigeria’s vital oil and gas industry.
For continuous updates on Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, regulatory developments, and high-profile controversies, visit www.cjsoftflix.com.
