Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is facing fresh scrutiny after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirmed plans to investigate a petition against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed. The petition was submitted by Dangote Group Chairman, Aliko Dangote, raising allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
In the petition dated December 16, 2025, Dangote, through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), urged the ICPC to investigate and prosecute Ahmed over alleged financial impropriety. He claimed that the NMDPRA boss spent more than $7 million on the education of his four children in Switzerland, allegedly paid upfront for six years, without a lawful source of income to justify the expenditure.
The petition alleged that Ahmed breached the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and diverted public funds for personal use. Dangote named the children and the schools they attend and listed the amounts allegedly paid, stating that the details would allow the ICPC to verify the claims. He argued that the alleged actions amounted to corrupt enrichment and abuse of office under the ICPC Act.
Dangote further claimed that the alleged diversion of public funds had fueled public anger and protests by civil society groups. He said the law provides penalties of up to five years in prison without an option of a fine if the allegations are proven. According to the petition, such conduct undermines public trust in Nigeria’s petroleum sector and weakens regulatory credibility.
ICPC spokesperson John Odey confirmed receipt of the petition and said the commission would investigate. “The ICPC wishes to confirm that it received a formal petition today, Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from Alhaji Aliko Dangote through his lawyer. The petition is against the CEO of the NMDPRA, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed. The petition will be duly investigated,” he said.
Meanwhile, a coalition of 40 lawyers under the Lawyers in Defence of Democracy and Anti-Corruption rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless and a trial by media. Speaking in Abuja, the group’s leaders said the claims lacked evidence and warned that public accusations without due process could harm investor confidence and should be resolved through lawful institutions.
