Farouk Ahmed has resigned as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) following corruption allegations made against him by Dangote Group Chairman, Aliko Dangote.
The development was confirmed on Wednesday by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, who also disclosed that Gbenga Komolafe has exited his role as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
According to Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the names of two nominees to the Senate for confirmation as replacements. The president requested expedited screening of Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC and Saidu Mohammed as the new head of NMDPRA.
“The two nominees are seasoned professionals in the oil and gas industry,” the statement said.
Hours before his resignation, Ahmed paid a brief visit to President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja. The Bauchi-born former regulator arrived in traditional attire and departed after less than 30 minutes, declining to comment on the purpose of the visit.
His resignation follows a public dispute with Dangote, who petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), accusing Ahmed of corruption and financial impropriety.
The allegations sparked intense scrutiny of the petroleum regulator and heightened calls for investigation into the agency’s leadership.