Dangote Alleges NMDPRA Chief Spent $5m on Swiss School Fees, Urges Probe

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has alleged that the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, spent about $5 million on school fees for his children in Switzerland, calling for a full investigation into the claim.

Dangote made the allegation while speaking publicly on concerns surrounding governance and transparency in Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory framework. He said the matter raises serious questions about accountability in public office and urged relevant anti-corruption agencies to look into the source of the funds used for the alleged payments.

According to Dangote, if proven true, the expenditure would be inconsistent with the earnings of a public official and could undermine public confidence in institutions responsible for regulating Nigeria’s vital petroleum sector. He stressed that regulatory agencies must be seen to operate above board, given their critical role in managing the country’s energy resources.

“This is not a personal attack,” Dangote said, according to those present at the event. “It is about transparency, integrity and ensuring that people entrusted with public responsibilities are accountable to Nigerians.”

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The allegation has sparked reactions within policy and civil society circles, with some analysts calling for calm while due process is followed. They noted that while the claim is serious, it remains an allegation until independently verified by appropriate authorities.

As of the time of filing this report, the NMDPRA and its CEO, Farouk Ahmed, had not issued an official response to the allegation. There was also no immediate confirmation from anti-graft agencies on whether a formal investigation had been opened.

The NMDPRA is the federal agency responsible for regulating Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum operations, including pricing, licensing and compliance. Its leadership is expected to uphold high ethical standards due to the sector’s strategic importance to the Nigerian economy.

Observers say the controversy adds to ongoing public debates about transparency in the oil and gas industry, particularly at a time when the federal government is pushing reforms to attract investment and restore confidence in the sector.

Many Nigerians are now awaiting official clarification and possible action by oversight institutions, as the allegation continues to generate widespread discussion across political and economic circles.