Farouk Ahmed has resigned as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) following corruption allegations leveled against him by Dangote Group Chairman, Aliko Dangote. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the resignation on Wednesday and also announced that Gbenga Komolafe has left his position as CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
President Bola Tinubu has sent the names of two nominees to the Senate for confirmation: Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as CEO of NUPRC and Saidu Mohammed as NMDPRA chief, described as seasoned professionals in the oil and gas industry.
Visit to the State House
Hours before resigning, Ahmed met with President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja for less than 30 minutes. He declined to speak to journalists about the visit, stating that work had ended for the day.
Dangote’s Allegations
The resignation follows Dangote’s petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing Ahmed of corruption and financial impropriety. Dangote claimed that Ahmed lived beyond his means, spending millions of dollars on the education and upkeep of his four children, including alleged $210,000 for a 2025 Harvard MBA program.
The petition also accused Ahmed of economic sabotage, alleging that NMDPRA regulatory actions under his leadership undermined local refining capacity by continuing to issue import licenses, favoring international traders over domestic operators.
Ahmed’s Response
Ahmed described the allegations as “wild and spurious” and declined to engage publicly, noting that the matter has been formally taken to an investigative institution. He expressed confidence that the investigation would provide an opportunity to clear his name.
Background
The feud between Dangote and Ahmed dates back to 2024, when NMDPRA accused Dangote Refinery and other local refiners of producing low-quality petroleum products. Ahmed had alleged that Dangote was attempting to monopolize Nigeria’s energy market, claims the refinery denied. The House of Representatives subsequently called for a probe into the matter and Ahmed’s suspension.
The ICPC has acknowledged receipt of Dangote’s petition and confirmed that it will investigate the allegations against the former NMDPRA chief.
This resignation marks a significant development in Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory landscape, amid ongoing scrutiny of corruption and regulatory oversight in the sector.
