Dangote Accuses NMDPRA CEO of Corruption in Explosive Claims

Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man and head of Dangote Industries Limited, reignited a heated dispute on December 14, 2025. He accused Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), of corruption.

The core claim involves $5 million spent on Ahmed's four children's secondary education in Switzerland over six years. Dangote made these statements during a press briefing at his refinery in Lekki, Lagos. He emphasized that such spending does not align with a public servant's income.

Dangote Accuses NMDPRA CEO Farouk Ahmed of Corruption: Key Quotes

"I’ve actually had people making complaints about a regulator who has actually put his children in secondary school. And that secondary school education, which is six years, four of them cost Nigeria $5m."

Dangote added, "You cannot imagine somebody paying $5m for educating four children." He noted, "When you look at his income, his income does not match paying this kind of fee."

Even for himself, Dangote said, "If it’s me paying $5m for six years for my four children, the taxman has to look at my taxes and how much I pay."

Dangote clarified his own choices: "Even my own children didn’t go to those schools. My children went to a Nigerian secondary school. They didn’t go outside Nigeria to attend secondary school."

Background on Dangote Farouk Corruption Allegations and Economic Sabotage

This is not the first time such claims surfaced. In July of a prior year, a group alleged Ahmed spent over $5.5 million on his children's overseas education.

NMDPRA dismissed those as false and a smear campaign. Dangote links the issue to broader economic sabotage. He argues Ahmed's actions undermine Nigeria's domestic refining efforts.

The Dangote Refinery, a $20 billion project, faces challenges like crude supply shortages. Dangote claims an "oil mafia" conspires against it.

He criticizes NMDPRA for issuing 47 import licenses despite local capacity. "A trader should never be a regulator," Dangote stated. This overlap, he says, harms Nigerians who could benefit from lower prices via local production.

Responses and Public Reactions to Dangote Accuses NMDPRA CEO Farouk of Corruption

No fresh response from Ahmed or NMDPRA appears in immediate reports. Past denials labeled accusations as orchestrated attacks.

On social media, reactions vary. Many Nigerians call for EFCC and ICPC probes. Some defend Ahmed, suggesting scholarships covered fees.

Posts highlight hypocrisy in public servants' lifestyles. Civil society groups have petitioned anti-corruption bodies for months. Dangote's voice may amplify pressure.

He frames it as a call for accountability, not personal vendetta. "What is happening amounts to economic sabotage," he said. He urges investigation to restore trust and investor confidence.