By Civil society organisations have urged the Federal Government to initiate an independent investigation into corruption allegations made by President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed.
The groups insist that the claims, which touch on both regulatory decisions and personal conduct, should be objectively examined in the interest of transparency, accountability, and investor confidence in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Dangote Raises Concerns Over Fuel Imports and Local Refining
Dangote had earlier warned that Nigeria’s continued dependence on imported petroleum products was undermining local refining and discouraging domestic investment. He alleged that import licences for about 7.5 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were reportedly issued for the first quarter of 2026, despite the availability of substantial local refining capacity.
According to him, the policy environment has placed modular refineries under severe pressure, pushing many to the brink of collapse, while persistent issuance of import permits continues to weaken domestic production.
Allegations of Lifestyle Inconsistencies
Beyond policy concerns, Dangote also called for the NMDPRA chief to be investigated by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over allegations relating to the education of his children abroad.
He alleged that as much as $5 million was paid in tuition fees for the secondary education of Ahmed’s children in Switzerland, raising questions about whether the official’s lifestyle aligns with his declared income.
“I am not calling for his removal, but for a proper investigation. If he denies it, I am ready to provide evidence and pursue legal steps to compel the schools to disclose payment records,” Dangote said, describing the situation as detrimental to national economic interests.
Transparency International Urges Authorities to Act
Reacting to the allegations, Executive Director of Transparency International Nigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said the claims should not be ignored, stressing that public officials must be accountable to the code of conduct governing their offices.
He noted that effective asset declaration mechanisms should ordinarily expose public officers living beyond their legitimate earnings.
“If these allegations are proven true, it would raise serious concerns about the integrity of public institutions, especially at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship,” Rafsanjani said, urging the government to thoroughly investigate the matter.
EFCC, ICPC Yet to Receive Formal Petition
Investigations revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Crimes Commission (ICPC) are yet to receive any formal petition requesting a probe into the allegations against the NMDPRA chief.
However, sources within the anti-graft agencies disclosed that the absence of a petition does not prevent investigations, as allegations made in the public domain — including through the media — can form the basis for official inquiries.
Energy Expert Describes Alleged Sum as Enormous
An energy expert and President of the Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, Kunle Olubiyo, described the reported tuition figure as excessive, noting that such an amount could be channelled into productive investment within the country.
He said the sum could comfortably be used to establish a functional modular refinery, reinforcing calls for transparency in public service.
House of Representatives Steps In to Mediate
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has moved to de-escalate rising tensions between the Dangote Refinery and the NMDPRA, following the exchange of allegations and counter-claims.
The Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream and Midstream), chaired by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and Hon. Henry Okogie, announced its intervention after an emergency meeting convened over concerns that the dispute could destabilise the downstream petroleum sector.
Reps Invite Dangote, NMDPRA for Dialogue
The committee resolved to invite Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the leadership of the NMDPRA to appear before it for engagement and mediation, urging both parties to suspend further media exchanges pending the outcome of the legislative inquiry.
According to Ugochinyere, the lawmakers are determined to preserve recent gains in sector stability, particularly in the post-subsidy era, where supply, pricing, and regulation remain sensitive.
Committee to Examine Import Licences and Refining Capacity
The joint committee disclosed that it has received petitions relating to the issuance of fuel import licences and questions surrounding the ability of domestic refineries to meet Nigeria’s petroleum demand.
Lawmakers said these issues would be thoroughly examined to establish facts and develop sustainable solutions that balance regulatory oversight with the promotion of local refining.
Call for Calm in National Interest
Reiterating its appeal, the House committee urged all stakeholders to refrain from further accusations while the National Assembly works to resolve the matter.
The lawmakers assured Nigerians that the investigation would be conducted without fear or favour, with the goal of restoring confidence in regulatory institutions and ensuring stability in the petroleum sector.
