Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has officially distanced himself from reports suggesting a public confrontation with Aliko Dangote.
Despite mounting allegations regarding his personal conduct, Ahmed maintains that he will prioritize professional silence over public debate.
Following rumors of a retaliatory comment, Ahmed utilized the NMDPRA’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, the 17th of December, 2025, to debunk claims of a rebuttal. He emphasized that any defense currently circulating in his name is illegitimate.
“My attention has been drawn to a purported response I was said to have made on the recent allegations against my person. I hereby state categorically that the so-called statement did not emanate from me,” Ahmed said.
The regulatory head acknowledged the intense public scrutiny surrounding the situation but explained that his position requires a level of decorum that precludes “public brickbat.” Ahmed noted that because the president of the Dangote Refinery has moved the matter into a legal and investigative framework, he is content to let the official process run its course.
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Ahmed expressed his stance as follows: “While I am aware of the wild and spurious allegations made against me and my family and the frenzy it has generated, as a regulator of a sensitive industry, I have opted not to engage in public brickbat. “Thankfully, the person behind the allegations has taken it to a formal investigative institution. I believe that would provide an opportunity to dispassionately distill the issues and to clear my name,” he said.
The conflict stems from reports that Aliko Dangote filed a petition with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The claims involve allegations that Ahmed utilized $5 million for the payment of his children’s tuition fees.
The ICPC corroborated these developments on Tuesday, the 16th of December, that they have officially received the petition for review.