Nigeria’s House of Representatives has resolved to investigate a widening dispute between Africa’s richest businessman, Aliko Dangote, and the head of the oil regulator, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Lawmakers on Tuesday adopted a motion of urgent public importance mandating the parliamentary committees on petroleum resources to examine the tensions and propose solutions within four weeks.
The conflict between Mr Dangote and NMDPRA Chief Executive Farouk Ahmed has been simmering for months, but escalated sharply this week after Mr Dangote filed a formal petition with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). He accused Mr Ahmed of corruption, abuse of office and financial impropriety, including allegedly spending more than $7m on his children’s education abroad without lawful means of income.
In the petition, dated 16 December and submitted through his lawyer, Mr Dangote demanded the arrest, investigation and prosecution of the regulator chief, claiming that the conduct raised serious questions about the integrity of petroleum sector oversight.
The House resolution followed persistent public exchanges between Mr Dangote and Mr Ahmed.
The dispute first came to prominence in July 2024, when the NMDPRA boss said local refineries, including the Dangote Refinery, produced lower-quality products than imported fuel, a claim Mr Dangote strongly denied.
Mr Dangote has also criticised NMDPRA for what he described as “reckless” approvals of licences for large volumes of fuel imports allegations suggesting the regulator is undermining Nigeria’s refining capacity and discouraging investment in domestic fuel production.
During Tuesday’s session, lawmakers stressed that unresolved tensions could threaten petrol supply and pricing stability across the country. Speakers urged both sides to refrain from public media exchanges that could inflame the situation further.
The parliamentary committees were instructed to engage relevant stakeholders, including Dangote Group and the regulator, and report their findings within four weeks.
Meanwhile, political activist Timi Frank has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend Mr Ahmed and order a thorough probe, warning that inaction could cast doubt on the government’s commitment to fighting corruption.