By Nkechi Eze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that it has received a formal petition from Africa’s foremost industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Alhaji Farouk Ahmed.
The confirmation was contained in an official statement issued on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, and signed by the Spokesperson of the Commission, Mr. J. Okor Odey. According to the statement, the petition was submitted to the anti-corruption agency through Alhaji Dangote’s legal representatives earlier in the day.
Mr. Odey disclosed that the petition formally requests the intervention of the ICPC over issues involving the leadership of the NMDPRA, adding that the Commission has acknowledged receipt of the document in line with its statutory mandate.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission confirms that it received a formal petition today, Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from Alhaji Aliko Dangote through his lawyer. The petition is against the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed,” the statement read.
The Commission emphasised that the receipt of the petition does not in itself amount to a determination of guilt or wrongdoing, stressing that due process would be strictly followed in handling the matter. It assured the public that the petition would be subjected to a careful and impartial review in accordance with the law.
“The ICPC wishes to state that the petition will be duly investigated,” the spokesperson said, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and fairness in the discharge of its responsibilities.
The development has drawn public attention given the high-profile nature of the petitioner and the strategic importance of the petroleum midstream and downstream sector to Nigeria’s economy. The NMDPRA plays a critical regulatory role under the Petroleum Industry Act, overseeing licensing, pricing, operations and compliance within the sector.
While the ICPC did not disclose details of the allegations contained in the petition, the Commission reiterated that its processes are guided by evidence, established procedures and respect for the rights of all parties involved. It further assured Nigerians that any investigation arising from the petition would be conducted without fear or favour.
The Commission also used the opportunity to restate its openness to receiving petitions from individuals and organisations, noting that petitions form a key part of its preventive and enforcement mechanisms in the fight against corruption and abuse of office.
As the process unfolds, the ICPC urged the public to refrain from speculation, emphasising that updates would be communicated through official channels as appropriate. The Commission maintained that its overriding interest remains the promotion of integrity, accountability and public confidence in governance institutions.
The confirmation of the petition marks the beginning of what the ICPC described as a procedural engagement, as it moves to assess the claims presented and determine the appropriate next steps within the ambit of the law.
