NMDPRA Boss Disowns Alleged Response to Dangote’s Claims
The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engineer Farouk Ahmed, has denied issuing any public response to allegations made against him by Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL).
In a statement released to Tribune Online on Tuesday by the Authority’s Director of Public Affairs, George Ene-Ita, Ahmed described the statement attributed to him as false and said it did not originate from his office.
According to Ahmed, he became aware of a purported response circulating in the media concerning the allegations against him and members of his family, but insisted he did not author or authorise such a statement.
“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,” the statement read.
He acknowledged the widespread public interest generated by the allegations but said he had chosen not to engage in what he described as “public brickbats,” given the sensitive nature of the petroleum sector he regulates.
Ahmed added that the matter has already been referred to a formal investigative institution by the accuser, expressing confidence that the process would allow for an objective examination of the issues.
“Thankfully, the person behind the allegations has taken it to a formal investigative institution. I believe that would provide an opportunity to dispassionately distill the issues and to clear my name,” he said.
The denial comes amid heightened public debate following claims by Dangote regarding the conduct of the petroleum regulator and its leadership, an issue that continues to draw national attention within Nigeria’s energy sector.
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