Erstwhile Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, Ahmed Farouk is facing mounting scrutiny over plans to settle more than ₦200 billion in outstanding bridging claims to oil marketers, amid allegations of irregularities and abuse of office.
The controversy followed a press statement issued by the Dangote Group and sent to Channels Television on Wednesday, which raised concerns over the proposed payment of legacy bridging claims spanning 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Industry economists and sector analysts have questioned the credibility of the claims, citing the absence of verifiable data to justify a substantial portion of the amounts listed for payment.
Bridging claims are reimbursements paid to oil marketers to offset the cost of transporting petroleum products from depots to different parts of the country, a system designed to support uniform pump prices nationwide.
However, analysts noted that the intended benefit has largely eluded consumers, as fuel prices remain significantly higher in many regions.
The statement quoted industry sources as alleging wide discrepancies between bridging claims submitted by marketers and levies actually paid per litre, with variances said to reach as high as 47 per cent.
The planned settlement of nearly ₦250 billion in legacy claims, despite the regulator’s inability to provide empirical data to support a large portion of them, was described as suggestive of deep-seated irregularities.
The sources called on the Auditor-General of the Federation to immediately halt the processing of all bridging claims and initiate a comprehensive investigation and forensic audit to ensure that approved payments align strictly with verified levies paid by depot owners and importers.
The development coincided with a formal corruption petition filed by the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
The petition accused Farouk of abuse of office, corrupt enrichment and unlawful diversion of public funds.
Also Read: Ahmed gives authentic response to Dangote
In the petition dated Tuesday and submitted through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dangote urged the anti-graft agency to arrest, investigate and prosecute the NMDPRA chief, alleging that he lives far beyond his legitimate means as a public servant.
Dangote alleged that Farouk spent more than seven million dollars on the education of his four children in Switzerland, reportedly paid upfront for six years, without any lawful income capable of supporting such expenditure.
He claimed that the funds were derived from public resources diverted through the authority.
The petition detailed the names of the children, the Swiss schools they attend and the specific amounts allegedly paid, to enable independent verification by the Commission.
It further alleged that Farouk had spent his entire adult working life in public service and could not have lawfully accumulated such wealth from his earnings.
Dangote accused the NMDPRA chief of breaching the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and engaging in acts of corruption and embezzlement running into millions of dollars.
He stated that the alleged offences fall within the powers of the Commission to investigate and prosecute under the ICPC Act, noting that a conviction carries a prison term of up to five years without an option of fine.
He expressed confidence in the ICPC and other anti-corruption agencies to ensure accountability once a prima facie case is established, adding that decisive action would help protect the image of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Dangote also pledged to provide documentary evidence to support his claims.
The ICPC has confirmed receipt of the petition and announced that investigations have commenced. In a statement, the Commission’s spokesperson, John Okor Odey, said the petition against the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority would be thoroughly investigated.
News Express
