LAGOS, Nigeria — Farouk Ahmed, chief executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has disowned a statement circulating in his name that appeared to respond to corruption allegations made by industrialist Aliko Dangote, calling the document fabricated and misleading.
In a disclaimer issued early Wednesday, Ahmed said the statement “did not emanate from me or my office,” adding that he has not authorized any representative to speak on his behalf regarding the controversy. The regulator warned the public to disregard the document, which had been widely shared on social media and portrayed as his first reaction to Dangote’s accusations.
Ahmed acknowledged awareness of what he described as “wild and spurious allegations” made against him and his family, but said he has deliberately chosen not to engage in a public confrontation. His remarks mark the first time he has addressed the matter since Dangote filed a petition accusing him of corruption and abuse of regulatory authority.
The dispute intensified after Dangote alleged that Ahmed made multimillion‑dollar advance payments for his children’s education abroad, a claim the industrialist argues is inconsistent with the earnings of a public official. The petition has placed the regulator under heightened scrutiny and deepened tensions within Nigeria’s fuel sector.
The NMDPRA plays a central role in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry, overseeing fuel import licenses, quality standards, and market compliance. Analysts say this makes the allegations particularly sensitive, as they strike at the heart of regulatory credibility in a sector long plagued by opacity and political interference.
Industry stakeholders warn that the ongoing standoff is already affecting market confidence. Fuel marketers say uncertainty around regulatory decisions has slowed contracting and raised concerns about supply stability. Some international traders have reportedly adopted a wait‑and‑see approach as they monitor the unfolding dispute.
Dangote has framed his petition as a fight for transparency and the future of domestic refining, arguing that regulatory decisions have hindered the rollout of his new refinery. Ahmed’s refusal to respond directly appears aimed at avoiding escalation, though critics say his silence leaves critical questions unanswered.
Public reaction has been sharply divided. Some Nigerians view Ahmed’s restraint as a sign of professionalism, while others interpret it as avoidance in the face of serious allegations. The circulation of the fake statement has further fueled speculation about internal tensions within the regulatory agency and the broader power struggle shaping Nigeria’s fuel market.
The presidency and the petroleum ministry have not commented on the controversy, though senior officials privately acknowledge that the dispute has become politically sensitive. Civil society groups have called for an independent review of the allegations to restore public trust.
The anti‑corruption authorities have not confirmed whether an investigation is underway. As the situation develops, analysts say the outcome could influence Nigeria’s regulatory landscape, the rollout of the Dangote Refinery, and the broader effort to reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel.
