The CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, has clarified that a statement circulating under his name, addressing recent allegations by Aliko Dangote, president and CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, was not issued by him.

In a disclaimer on Wednesday, Mr. Ahmed said that while he is aware of the “wild and spurious allegations” targeting him and his family and the attention they have drawn, he has opted not to respond publicly to the attacks.

He expressed gratitude that the individual behind the allegations has referred the matter to a formal investigative body, adding that he believes this will allow for an objective review of the issues and provide an opportunity to clear his name.

“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,” Ahmed said.

On Sunday, Mr. Dangote accused Mr. Ahmed of economic sabotage, alleging that his actions are undermining domestic refining in Nigeria.

At a press conference held at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, he claimed that NMDPRA leadership was colluding with international traders and oil importers to hinder local refining by continually issuing import licences for petroleum products.

Mr. Dangote further alleged that Mr. Ahmed was living beyond his legitimate means, noting that four of his children attend secondary schools in Switzerland at costs running into several million dollars.

He argued that such spending raised serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

On Monday, Mr. Dangote intensified his allegations, accusing Mr. Ahmed of corruption and misappropriation of public funds, while providing estimated figures for his children’s education abroad.

He claimed that Mr. Ahmed spent around $5 million on secondary education and upkeep over six years, and an additional $2 million on tertiary education, including $210,000 for Faisal Farouk’s 2025 Harvard MBA.

On Tuesday, Mr. Dangote, through his lawyer Ogwu Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), submitted a petition to the anti-graft agency ICPC, urging the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of Mr. Ahmed for allegedly living beyond his means as a public officer.