The chief executive of Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum regulator has resigned following serious corruption allegations levelled by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.
Farouk Ahmed stepped down from his role at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) on Wednesday, the presidency announced.
The resignation of Gbenga Komolafe, head of the upstream regulator (NUPRC), was disclosed in the same statement.
President Bola Tinubu has nominated replacements for both positions Saidu Aliyu Mohammed for NMDPRA and Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan for NUPRC and asked the Senate to confirm them.
Mr Dangote, whose massive refinery in Lagos has been at the centre of a regulatory row, accused Mr Ahmed of living beyond his legitimate means as a public officer, citing millions of dollars allegedly spent on his children’s overseas education.
In a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Mr Dangote called for Mr Ahmed’s arrest, investigation and prosecution, alleging abuse of office and corrupt enrichment.
The dispute escalated publicly last weekend when Mr Dangote claimed NMDPRA actions including continued issuance of fuel import licences – amounted to economic sabotage aimed at undermining domestic refining.
Mr Ahmed had dismissed the personal allegations as “wild and spurious”, saying he preferred to address them through formal channels rather than public debate.
The resignations come as Nigeria seeks to boost local fuel production through the Dangote Refinery, the continent’s largest, amid longstanding tensions over regulatory oversight, product quality standards and import policies.