NMDPRA Boss Farouk Ahmed Denies Responding to Dangote’s Allegations

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Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, has debunked a viral statement purported to be his response to the recent allegations made against him by the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

In a terse statement released on Tuesday, December 16, Ahmed clarified that he did not authorise any statement now circulating on social media in response to the allegations levelled against him.

Pinnacle Daily reports that Aliko Dangote had, at a press briefing on Sunday in Lagos, alleged that Ahmed put four of his children in secondary schools in Switzerland, where he spent $5 million. He called for a full investigation into the source of the funds used by Ahmed to pay the children’s school fees, which had risen to such an amount.

“I’ve actually had people making complaints about a regulator who has actually put his children in secondary school. And that secondary school education, which is six years, four of them cost Nigeria $5m. I mean, you cannot imagine somebody paying $5m for educating four children,” Dangote said.

Damgote, who also accused Ahmed of engaging in actions that amounted to economic sabotage, called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to probe the NMDPRA Chief Executive’s financial activities.

While disclaiming the viral statement, Ahmed said he has decided not to engage in public verbal exchange despite being aware of the allegations against him and his family.

The statement reads: “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.

“While I am aware of the wild and spurious allegations made against my family and me 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.”

After submitting a petition to the ICPC on Tuesday through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), Dangote demanded the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of Ahmed Farouk for allegedly living above his means as a public servant.
Dangote further stated that the NMDPRA chief spent his whole adult life working in Nigeria’s public sector, and that his total earnings over the years were nowhere near $7 million.

He claimed that Ahmed was using the NMDPRA to pilfer and divert public funds for personal gain and the pursuit of private interests at the expense of the Nigerian people, which sparked an uproar and protest by several groups recently.

He vowed to present evidence in support of his allegations of illicit enrichment and misuse of office against Ahmed.

In a statement on Tuesday, signed by its spokesperson, John Okor Odey, ICPC confirmed receiving the petition from Dangote, assuring that it will be duly investigated.

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Victor EZEJA

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Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in mass communication.