NMDPRA CEO Engr. Farouk Ahmed Denies Issuing Purported Statement on Allegations

The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, has issued a disclaimer regarding a circulating statement purportedly responding to recent corruption allegations against him.

In a clarification released on Wednesday, Ahmed categorically denied authoring or issuing any such response, stating: 

"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 disclaimer comes amid heightened controversy surrounding allegations levelled by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote, who accused Ahmed of corruption, including claims of spending millions of dollars on his children's education abroad using illicit funds.

Ahmed, while refraining from direct public engagement on the merits of the allegations, noted: 

"While I am aware of the wild and spurious allegations made against me and my family and the frenzy it has generated, as a regulator of a sensitive industry, I have opted not to engage in public brickbat."

He expressed confidence in the formal investigative process, adding: 

"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."

The statement was signed: 

Engr Farouk Ahmed

Authority Chief Executive  

Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)

This development follows Dangote's formal petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on December 16, demanding an investigation into the NMDPRA boss. The ICPC has confirmed receipt of the petition and pledged a thorough probe.