ICPC to Probe Dangote’s Corruption Petition Against NMDPRA Boss

Nigeria’s anti corruption agency says it will investigate allegations made by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, against the head of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, confirmed it had received a petition accusing the authority’s managing director, Ahmed Farouk, of corruption and financial impropriety.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the commission said the petition was submitted by Mr Dangote through his lawyer and would be examined.

“The ICPC confirms receipt of a formal petition today, Tuesday 16 December 2025, from Alhaji Aliko Dangote through his lawyer,” the commission’s spokesperson, John Odey, said. “The petition is against the Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed, and it will be duly investigated.”

Mr Dangote, who chairs the Dangote Group, alleged in the petition that Mr Farouk spent more than seven million dollars on the education of his four children in Switzerland over a six year period, without evidence of lawful income. The fees were allegedly paid upfront.

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He also accused the NMDPRA chief of abusing his office to embezzle and divert public funds for personal gain, actions he said were against the public interest.

According to the petition, the alleged acts amount to abuse of office, breach of the code of conduct for public officers, corrupt enrichment and embezzlement. It said these offences fall within the ICPC’s powers under Section 19 of its enabling law, which prescribes a five year jail term without the option of a fine upon conviction.

The petition urged the commission to investigate the allegations and prosecute Mr Farouk if a prima facie case is established, arguing that decisive action would help protect public confidence in government.

The House of Representatives has since summoned both parties and asked them to halt public exchanges on the matter. Lawmakers warned that the dispute could undermine progress in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

Neither the NMDPRA nor Mr Farouk has responded publicly to the allegations.