President Bola Tinubu reportedly handled the removal of Farouk Ahmed, former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), with caution in order to avoid political fallout within the northern power bloc, sources have told The Legalobserver.
Ahmed’s exit came alongside the departure of Gbenga Komolafe, former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Following their removal, the Nigerian Senate confirmed Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as the new NMDPRA CEO and Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as the new NUPRC CEO after screening by the Joint Committees on Petroleum (Upstream, Downstream, and Gas).
Sources said Ahmed, who is described as a descendant of the Sokoto Caliphate, was treated with particular respect during the process to avoid offending influential northern political interests. According to the sources, President Tinubu did not confront Ahmed directly but instead sent an aide—identified as Muri, believed to be Hakeem Muri-Okunola—to request his resignation.
In contrast, Komolafe’s removal was reportedly influenced by considerations of ethnic balancing within the administration.
Sources further claimed that President Tinubu had previously advised Komolafe to resist attempts by businessman Aliko Dangote to influence regulatory decisions in the petroleum sector. While Dangote is said to feel vindicated by recent changes in regulatory leadership, Ahmed’s removal was reportedly handled delicately to prevent political tensions.
One source stated that Ahmed was asked to resign respectfully due to his background and political significance, while Komolafe’s exit followed broader political calculations.
Dangote’s Allegations Against Farouk Ahmed
Ahmed had earlier been accused of corruption by Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, which owns the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
In a petition dated December 16 and addressed to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), Dangote called for Ahmed’s arrest, investigation, and prosecution over alleged abuse of office and illicit enrichment.
Dangote alleged that Ahmed lived far beyond his legitimate earnings as a public official, claiming that more than $7 million was spent on the education of his four children in Switzerland, with school fees reportedly paid several years in advance. He argued that such expenses could not be justified by Ahmed’s income as a career public servant.
The petition also accused Ahmed of diverting public funds and turning the regulatory authority into a vehicle for personal enrichment and private interests, allegations which Ahmed has not publicly responded to at the time of reporting
