By Our Correspondent
Africa’s richest man and industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has called for a formal investigation into the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, over allegations of economic sabotage and regulatory misconduct.
Dangote’s demand comes amid rising tensions between his $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, and the nation’s petroleum regulator. He accused the NMDPRA of implementing policies that undermine local refining, favour importers, and threaten Nigeria’s economic stability.
According to Dangote, the regulator has continued to issue excessive fuel import licences, even as the Dangote Refinery produces sufficient locally refined petroleum products. He argued that such actions discourage domestic investment, drain foreign exchange, and contradict the government’s goal of energy self-sufficiency.
The industrialist also raised concerns about alleged personal financial irregularities involving the NMDPRA chief, claiming that Farouk Ahmed reportedly spent millions of dollars on foreign school fees for his children—a figure Dangote described as inconsistent with a public official’s earnings. He stressed that anti-corruption agencies must investigate these allegations to protect national interest.
Dangote clarified that he is not calling for the immediate removal of the NMDPRA CEO but emphasized the need for a transparent and independent probe to either clear the official’s name or hold him accountable if wrongdoing is proven.
The dispute highlights the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, particularly the tension between local refining and fuel importation. Dangote has repeatedly stated that his refinery is capable of meeting domestic fuel demand and stabilizing petrol prices if regulatory bottlenecks are removed.
The controversy has also sparked public debate, with civil society groups calling for accountability and reforms within the petroleum regulatory framework. Protests are reportedly being planned in major cities, including Abuja and Lagos, demanding that the government ensure transparency and fairness in regulating the sector.
As of now, the Federal Government and NMDPRA have not announced any official response to Dangote’s allegations. The escalating dispute has intensified scrutiny of Nigeria’s oil sector regulators and raised urgent questions about transparency, governance, and the future of local refining in the country.
