Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of the Dangote Group and Africa’s wealthiest man, has filed a formal petition with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Alhaji Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), over alleged corruption and abuse of office.

The ICPC confirmed on Tuesday, December 16, that the petition was submitted earlier in the day through Dangote’s lawyer. ICPC spokesperson John Okor Odey stated:

“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirms receipt of a formal petition today, Tuesday, 16th December 2025, from Alhaji Aliko Dangote via his legal representative. The petition is directed against the CEO of the NMDPRA, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed.”

The anti-corruption agency assured that the claims would be investigated in accordance with its statutory powers.

In his petition, Dangote accuses Ahmed of illicit enrichment, living beyond his lawful earnings, and diverting public funds for personal benefit. He alleged that Ahmed spent over $7 million on his four children’s education in Switzerland, paying school fees upfront for six years—a sum he claims is inconsistent with the cumulative income of a public officer. The petition provided detailed information on the children, schools, and fees, urging the ICPC to verify the evidence as “clear proof of corrupt enrichment.”

Dangote further charged that Ahmed misused his position at NMDPRA to facilitate personal gain and hinder local refining operations by issuing fuel import licenses that favor private interests. The billionaire called for Ahmed’s arrest, investigation, and prosecution under Section 19 of the ICPC Act, which prescribes a five-year jail term without an option of fine for such offenses. Dangote also expressed readiness to personally provide documentary evidence to investigators.

Earlier, Dangote publicly raised concerns during a media briefing at the Dangote Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, questioning the source of Ahmed’s wealth and highlighting disparities that affect ordinary Nigerians.

The escalating dispute has prompted the House of Representatives to intervene. Lawmakers summoned both Dangote and NMDPRA officials to appear before Joint Committees on Petroleum Resources (Midstream and Downstream). They also urged both parties to refrain from making public statements, warning that continued tension could destabilize the downstream petroleum sector.

“We can only find sustainable solutions when we identify the critical issues leading to this tension,” said committee member Ikenga Ugochinyere.