Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has intensified a public dispute within Nigeria’s petroleum industry by formally petitioning the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged corruption involving the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.
The petition, submitted on December 16 by Dangote’s legal counsel, Ogwu James Onoja (SAN), and acknowledged by ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), calls for the immediate investigation and prosecution of the NMDPRA boss. Dangote alleges that Ahmed engaged in financial impropriety and abuse of office, asserting that his lifestyle far exceeds what could reasonably be funded by earnings from public service.
Central to the allegations is a claim that Ahmed paid more than $7 million upfront to cover six years of education for his four children at prestigious schools in Switzerland. According to the petition, such expenditure is inconsistent with the lawful income of a public officer. Dangote reportedly provided specific details, including the names of the children and their schools, to enable the ICPC to independently verify the claims.
The petition further accuses the NMDPRA chief of diverting public resources for personal benefit, actions Dangote says have fueled public discontent and weakened confidence in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum regulation. He maintains that the alleged misconduct has contributed to protests and heightened scrutiny of regulatory practices in the sector.
Dangote has also indicated his willingness to appear before investigators to submit evidence supporting claims of corrupt enrichment and institutional impunity. He argues that decisive action by the ICPC would reinforce accountability and protect the credibility of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The formal petition follows earlier public statements made by Dangote at a December 14 briefing at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, where he questioned reports that between $5 million and $7 million was spent on overseas education for Ahmed’s children. Similar allegations earlier in 2025 had already triggered calls for investigation from civil society groups, including SERAP.
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As of the time of filing, neither the ICPC nor the NMDPRA has released an official statement on the matter. Ahmed has previously dismissed related accusations as unfounded. Meanwhile, the controversy has attracted legislative attention, with the House of Representatives inviting both parties amid broader concerns over regulatory conflicts in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.