NMDPRA CEO Ahmed Disowns Alleged Statement on Corruption Claims

The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, has denied issuing a statement purportedly responding to recent corruption allegations made against him.

In a disclaimer released, Ahmed said a statement circulating in the media and attributed to him did not originate from his office. He categorically disowned the publication, stressing that he had not issued any public response to the allegations.

“My attention has been drawn to a purported response I was said to have made on the recent allegations against my person. I hereby state categorically that the so-called statement did not emanate from me,” he said.

The clarification comes amid growing controversy following allegations by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote, who accused the NMDPRA boss of corruption, including claims that Ahmed allegedly spent millions of dollars on his children’s education abroad using illicit funds.

Ahmed, however, said he deliberately chose not to engage in public exchanges over the matter, citing the sensitive nature of his role as a regulator in the petroleum sector.

“While I am aware of the wild and spurious allegations made against my family and me and the frenzy it has generated, as a regulator of a sensitive industry, I have opted not to engage in public brickbat,” he stated.

He added that the allegations are now before a formal investigative body, expressing confidence that the process would clear his name.

“Thankfully, the person behind the allegations has taken it to a formal investigative institution. I believe that would provide an opportunity to dispassionately distil the issues and to clear my name,” Ahmed said.

Dangote had earlier submitted a formal petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on December 16, calling for an investigation into the allegations against the NMDPRA chief.

The ICPC has since confirmed receipt of the petition and assured the public of a thorough investigation.