The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, has denied issuing any statement in response to allegations made against him by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Ahmed clarified that he did not authorize the viral statement regarding the claims against him. At a press briefing at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, Dangote had called for a full investigation into the source of funds used by Ahmed, urging him to appear before the Code of Conduct Tribunal to provide a public explanation.

Dangote raised concerns about Ahmed’s financial activities, stating, “I’ve actually had people making complaints about a regulator who has put his children in secondary school. And that secondary school education, which is six years for four of them, cost Nigeria $5 million. You cannot imagine someone paying $5 million for educating four children.”

In light of these allegations, Dangote petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate Ahmed’s financial dealings, claiming that the regulator’s actions could undermine public trust and investor confidence, particularly given his role in granting licenses for fuel importation.

Ahmed’s statement emphasized that the circulating response did not originate from him. He noted that he chose not to engage in public disputes despite the allegations against him. “While I am aware of the wild and spurious allegations made against me and my family, I have opted not to engage in public brickbats,” he stated.

The NMDPRA boss expressed satisfaction that Dangote has taken the matter to the ICPC, believing this formal investigation would allow for a thorough examination of the issues and ultimately help clear his name. He concluded by reinforcing his belief in the investigative process to resolve the allegations transparently.