Dangote Submits Petition Against NMDPRA Boss, Ahmed Farouk, Over $7 Million Swiss Education Claims

Dangote Submits Petition Against NMDPRA Boss, Ahmed Farouk, Over $7 Million Swiss Education Claims
Dangote alleged that Farouk paid the school feesof his children upfront for six years
Urged ICPC to act decisively

The Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has formally petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ahmed Farouk, accusing him of living beyond his legitimate means.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the petition, submitted on 16 December 2025 through Dangote’s lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, calls on the ICPC to arrest, investigate, and prosecute Farouk for allegedly spending over $7 million on the education of his four children in Switzerland, a sum the businessman claims cannot be justified by the NMDPRA chief’s public-sector earnings.

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Dangote alleged that Farouk paid the school fees upfront for six years, listing the names of the children and the Swiss schools they attend, along with the amounts, to enable verification by the ICPC.

“That Engr Farouk Ahmed has grossly abused his office contrary to the extant provisions of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and, in doing so, enmeshed himself in monumental corruption and unlawful spending of public funds running into millions of dollars,” the petition reads.

Dangote further alleged that Farouk used the NMDPRA as a vehicle to embezzle and divert public funds for personal gain, fueling public outrage and protests earlier this year. According to the oil magnate, Farouk’s entire working life in the Nigerian public sector could not account for such substantial wealth.

“It is without doubt that the above facts… constitute gross acts of corrupt practices for which your Commission is statutorily empowered under Section 19 of the ICPC Act to investigate and prosecute,” Dangote added, noting that conviction under the law carries a five-year prison term without the option of a fine.

Dangote Submits Petition Against NMDPRA Boss, Ahmed Farouk, Over $7 Million Swiss Education Claims

Dangote expressed confidence in the ICPC’s capacity, working alongside other anti-corruption agencies, to ensure that financial offenders are held accountable. He urged the Commission to act decisively, warning that failure to address the allegations could undermine public trust and investor confidence.

The petition also emphasized that decisive action would uphold justice and protect the image of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Dangote vowed to provide supporting evidence to substantiate claims of abuse of office, corrupt enrichment, and impunity.

This petition follows a public statement by Dangote in Lagos, where he raised concerns over regulatory failures and alleged corruption in the downstream petroleum sector. Earlier in June 2025, protesters in Abuja had similarly accused Farouk of turning his office into a personal estate, marching to the Attorney General, Code of Conduct Bureau, and ICPC demanding his resignation.

The NMDPRA, however, has rejected all allegations, describing them as an orchestrated smear campaign based on false claims against its Chief Executive Officer.