The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engineer Farouk Ahmed, has resigned from his post amid mounting controversy over corruption and economic sabotage allegations.
Ahmed’s resignation follows public accusations by industrialist Aliko Dangote, who alleged that the regulator’s leadership engaged in corrupt practices that undermined domestic refining and transparency in the petroleum
Dangote’s claims included allegations that Ahmed spent millions of dollars on personal expenses well beyond what his official income could justify, prompting a formal complaint to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In the same development, Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), also stepped down. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the resignations and announced that President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the names of successors to the Senate for expedited confirmation.
Tinubu’s nominees are Saidu Aliyu Mohammed for NMDPRA and Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan for the NUPRC — both described as experienced professionals in the oil and gas industry.
This leadership shake-up comes at a sensitive time for Nigeria’s energy sector, which has faced criticism over regulatory oversight and its impact on refining capacity and fuel supply. Further investigations by anti-corruption authorities are expected in the coming weeks.
