Dangote Releases Full Breakdown of NMDPRA CEO's $5M Education Spending in Switzerland

Aliko Dangote, the billionaire behind Africa's largest refinery, has ignited fresh controversy in Nigeria's petroleum industry. On December 16, 2025, he released a paid newspaper advert detailing allegations against Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The advert accuses Ahmed of spending over $5 million on his four children's secondary education in Switzerland.

This move follows Dangote's earlier statements on December 15, 2025, where he first hinted at such expenditures during ongoing disputes over fuel quality and market practices. Dangote described the spending as evidence of corruption and living beyond legitimate means.

The advert, signed by Dangote, lists specific names, schools, and cost breakdowns. It emphasizes that facts do not lie and calls for transparency from public officials.

Farouk Ahmed has served in Nigeria's public sector for much of his career. Dangote argues that Ahmed's total earnings could not cover these costs without illicit funds. The allegations tie into broader tensions between Dangote Refinery and regulators. Disputes have included claims of substandard fuel and sabotage against local refining.

Dangote's petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was submitted on December 16, 2025, via his lawyer James Onoja, SAN. It demands Ahmed's arrest, investigation, and prosecution.

The petition cites Section 19 of the ICPC Act, which allows for up to five years imprisonment for such offenses. Dangote pledges to provide proof of abuse of office and embezzlement. He claims funds were diverted from public coffers through NMDPRA for personal gain. This, he says, harms Nigerians amid economic challenges.

The advert highlights contrasts in Nigeria. While Ahmed allegedly affords elite foreign education, many Sokoto parents cannot pay N10,000 in local fees. Similar allegations emerged months ago from a civil society group, Lawyers in Defence of Good Governance. They retracted, calling it misinformation.

NMDPRA previously dismissed those claims as false. As of December 16, 2025, no new statement from Ahmed or NMDPRA addresses Dangote's latest details.

The House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has intervened, urging restraint from public spats. This aims to de-escalate the feud impacting Nigeria's energy sector.

Public reactions on social media, including X (formerly Twitter), show mixed views. Some support Dangote's call for accountability, while others see it as business rivalry.

Dangote's actions may pressure authorities for action. The ICPC chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, received the petition directly.

Breakdown of Costs

The advert details annual costs per child at about $200,000, covering tuition, airfare, and upkeep. For four children, this totals $800,000 yearly.

Over six years, living expenses and air tickets alone amount to $1.2 million per child, or $4.8 million combined. Overall secondary fees reach approximately $5 million.

Additional tertiary costs include $2 million for all children, plus $210,000 for one son's 2025 Harvard MBA.

Children and Schools Involved

Dangote named the children and their schools in the advert. Each attended for six years. This includes elite institutions known for high fees and global prestige. Such details aim to support calls for scrutiny.

Ongoing Developments

Dangote submitted a petition to the ICPC demanding Ahmed's arrest and probe for abuse of office. He offers evidence of corrupt enrichment. Ahmed has not responded publicly to these latest claims. Earlier allegations were dismissed by NMDPRA as false.

The House Committee on Petroleum has urged both parties to halt public attacks.