Amanze Chinonye
The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, has disclaimed a lengthy statement circulating online in which he was said to have responded to recent allegations against him, describing it as false and unauthorised.
In a disclaimer issued on Wednesday, Ahmed said the so-called response did not emanate from him and should be disregarded, Prime Business Africa reports.
“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,” he said.
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The NMDPRA chief acknowledged the existence of what he described as “wild and spurious allegations” against him and members of his family but stressed that, given his position as a regulator in a sensitive sector, he had deliberately chosen not to engage in public exchanges over the matter.
“While I am aware of the frenzy the allegations have generated, as a regulator of a sensitive industry, I have opted not to engage in public brickbat,” Ahmed stated.
He added that the individual behind the allegations had already taken the matter to a formal investigative institution, expressing confidence that the process would provide an impartial platform to examine the claims and clear his name.
“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 clarification comes amid widespread circulation of a detailed statement dated December 16, 2025, titled “A Question of Integrity: Engr. Farouk Ahmed Responds,” in which the NMDPRA boss was portrayed as addressing allegations relating to his children’s education, his assets, and regulatory decisions taken by the authority.
Ahmed’s disclaimer makes clear that he did not authorise or issue the document and that it does not represent his official position.
The controversy follows public accusations by business figures, including Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, who alleged that the NMDPRA chief spent millions of dollars on foreign education for his children and accused the regulator of actions amounting to economic sabotage claims that Ahmed has now indicated will be addressed through formal investigations rather than media exchanges.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
