NMDPRA Boss Denies Viral Statement, Welcomes ICPC Probe Over Dangote Allegations

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, has denied authorship of a viral statement circulating online in response to allegations raised by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote. Ahmed said the statement was neither written nor authorised by him, distancing himself from claims attributed to the regulatory agency’s leadership. He clarified his position amid growing public attention surrounding the allegations and the regulatory dispute in the downstream petroleum sector.

The controversy followed a petition submitted by Dangote to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, accusing Ahmed of corruption and abuse of office. Dangote alleged that the NMDPRA boss lived beyond his legitimate means as a public officer, including claims relating to the cost of foreign education for his children. The ICPC confirmed receipt of the petition and stated that it would review the allegations in line with its statutory mandate.

Ahmed welcomed the ICPC probe, describing it as the appropriate avenue for addressing the matter rather than engaging in public exchanges. He stated that an independent investigation would provide an opportunity for the facts to be established and for his name to be cleared if the allegations are found to be untrue. He also reiterated his commitment to transparency and accountability in the discharge of his duties at the regulatory authority.

What is your view on this development and the role of investigative agencies in resolving high profile allegations? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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