Aliko Dangote, Founder and President/Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, has accused Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), of corruption. Dangote alleged that Ahmed spent $5 million on secondary school education for his four children in Switzerland, which he claims is inconsistent with a public servant’s income.
During a media briefing at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos, Dangote stated that the alleged expenditure covered six years of secondary education and could not be reasonably explained by earnings from public service. He emphasized that taxpayers deserve accountability and questioned why a public official could afford to spend millions of dollars on foreign education if public funds were being properly used.
Dangote’s allegations raise concerns about income declaration, conflicts of interest, and regulatory integrity in the downstream petroleum sector. He referenced reports about overseas university education, including one of Ahmed’s children who allegedly attended Harvard. Dangote emphasized that the alleged expenditure is a threat to public trust in regulatory institutions and called for an investigation into the matter.
The billionaire suggested that the Code of Conduct Bureau or another relevant body should investigate Ahmed’s income to determine if it matches the $5 million spent on school fees. Dangote stressed that Ahmed should not be dismissed immediately but rather given the opportunity to clear his name. If the allegation is denied, Dangote warned that he would take legal steps to compel disclosure and potentially sue the Swiss school to disclose the tuition paid.
The accusation has significant implications for the Nigerian government and the petroleum regulatory authority. As the matter unfolds, it remains to be seen how Ahmed will respond to the allegations and what actions the relevant authorities will take to address the concerns raised by Dangote. The case highlights the need for transparency and accountability in public office, particularly in the management of public funds and resources.
