The Authority Chief of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, has denied responding to the recent allegations levelled against him by the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote.
Speaking at a press conference at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery on Sunday, Dangote accused the leadership of the NMDPRA of colluding with international traders and oil importers to frustrate local refining through the continued issuance of import licences for petroleum products.
Dangote alleged that Engr Ahmed was living beyond his legitimate means, claiming that four of his children attend secondary schools in Switzerland at costs running into several million dollars.
He said such expenditure raised serious questions about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of regulatory oversight in the downstream petroleum sector. Consequently, called for his investigation and prosecution.
Yesterday, there was a statement circulated on the social media purportedly issued by Engr. Ahmed in response to the Dangote’s allegations. However, in a statement personally signed by him and made available by the NMDPRA this morning, the Authority denied responding to the allegations.
He said while he is aware of the wild and spurious allegations made against him and his family, and the frenzy it has granted, as a regulator of a sensitive industry, he has opted not to engage in public brickbat.
Ahmed said since the allegations has been taken to a formal investigative institution, it would afford him the opportunity to dispassionately distill the issue and to clear his name.
The statement read thus: “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.
“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.
“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.”
