Nigerian business magnate Aliko Dangote has publicly accused the head of the country’s oil regulatory body of corruption, demanding an investigation into how a public servant could afford to spend $5 million on his children’s education abroad.
During a media briefing at his refinery in Lagos on Sunday, Dangote alleged that Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), paid the substantial sum for six years of secondary schooling for four children at a Swiss institution.
The Dangote Group founder questioned how the expenditure could align with earnings from public service, contrasting it sharply with the financial struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
“From where he comes from, people are struggling to pay ₦100,000 for secondary school fees. Many children are at home because their parents cannot afford that amount,” Dangote stated.
He emphasized that as a taxpayer, he expects public funds to be used properly, not misappropriated. “When I pay tax, I want to see my money put to use, not stolen,” he said.
Dangote stopped short of calling for Ahmed’s immediate dismissal, instead urging the Code of Conduct Bureau or other appropriate government bodies to investigate whether the official’s declared income matches the alleged expenditure.
“He does not need to be sacked. Let him come and clear that he has not compromised his positions in government at the cost of Nigerians,” Dangote said.
The billionaire issued a stern warning that if Ahmed denies the allegation, he will pursue legal action to compel the Swiss schools to disclose payment records and will publish the tuition details himself.
Ahmed had not responded to the accusations at the time of this report.
