By Erewunmi Peace

Billionaire industrialist and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has accused the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, of spending about $5 million on his children’s education abroad, sparking widespread public debate over public-sector accountability.

Dangote made the allegation during a recent media engagement, where he questioned how a public official could afford such educational expenses and called on relevant anti‑corruption agencies, including the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to investigate the matter.

According to Dangote, the alleged expenditure involved school fees paid to foreign institutions, reportedly in Switzerland. He argued that the issue goes beyond personal rivalry and touches on transparency and integrity in public service.

Alleged Response and Public Reactions

Following Dangote’s claims, social media platforms were flooded with posts attributed to Farouk Ahmed, suggesting that he earns about ₦48 million annually and that his children’s education is funded through a combination of scholarships and personal savings. However, these claims have not been independently verified, and no detailed official statement addressing the $5 million allegation has been released through major media channels as of the time of this report.

The controversy has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians. While some have called for a full investigation to clear the air, others argue that allegations alone should not replace due process.

Calls for Investigation

Governance and civil society groups have urged regulatory authorities to treat the matter objectively, emphasizing that any probe should rely on verified financial records rather than public accusations.

As of press time, neither the NMDPRA nor its chief executive has released a comprehensive, on‑record rebuttal responding directly to Dangote’s detailed claims.

Background

The NMDPRA is a key regulatory body established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to oversee Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum operations. Given its strategic role in the energy sector, the integrity of its leadership remains a matter of national interest.

This story is developing, and updates will be provided as more verified information becomes available.