…Accuse Dangote of undermining regulatory independence
Over fifty Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Monday came out in strong defence of Mr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), dismissing corruption allegations made against him by Mr. Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, as false, unfounded, and unsupported by evidence.
At a joint press conference in Abuja, the coalition described the claims as a calculated attempt to discredit NMDPRA’s leadership for its firm stance against monopolistic practices in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Comrade Ibrahim Bello, Convener and National Coordinator of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI), speaking for the coalition, said internal assessments found no basis for the allegations.
“Our findings clearly show that Mr. Farouk Ahmed has not engaged in any corrupt practice. Rather, he has been repositioning the downstream sector to promote fairness, competition, and efficiency, while ensuring no single entity monopolises the industry to the detriment of Nigerians,” Bello stated.
He added that under Ahmed, NMDPRA has adhered to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), strengthened regulatory transparency, and expanded opportunities for investors.
The coalition specifically debunked claims that Ahmed allegedly paid $5 million in school fees for his children in Switzerland, noting that no verifiable evidence was presented.
CSOs warned that making such serious allegations in the media without following due process poses a threat to Nigeria’s regulatory institutions and reform agenda.
Prominent members supporting the position included Hajiya Fatima Sani (Citizens Watch for Good Governance), Barr. Chukwudi Eze (Accountability and Democratic Values Initiative), Dr. Ngozi Okeke (Nigerian Coalition Against Corruption and Waste), Pastor Emmanuel Adebayo (Voice of Conscience Foundation), among others from civil society and regional organisations.
The coalition said the attacks on NMDPRA stem from its refusal to compromise regulatory standards or allow any company to dominate the petroleum downstream space.
“These allegations appear aimed at intimidating the regulator because of its insistence on fairness, competition, and value for Nigerians,” the CSOs said.
They urged individuals and corporate entities with genuine grievances to follow proper legal channels rather than resorting to media trials. The coalition also called on Nigerians to disregard the unproven allegations, urged stakeholders to respect regulatory institutions, and appealed to the Federal Government to continue supporting NMDPRA’s independent and reform-driven leadership.
The CSOs concluded by reaffirming full confidence in Mr. Farouk Ahmed, describing him as a regulator whose actions have strengthened credibility, boosted stakeholder confidence, and safeguarded the national interest in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum industry.