Aliko Dangote has escalated his confrontation with Nigeria’s petroleum downstream regulator, accusing its chief executive, Farouk Ahmed, of economic sabotage. The clash deepens tensions in the country’s fuel sector as the Dangote Refinery pushes for greater market access.
Dangote’s allegations
In a petition and subsequent public statements, Dangote alleged that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), led by Ahmed, is deliberately undermining local refining capacity by issuing excessive fuel import licences. He argued that this practice keeps Nigeria dependent on imported petrol and discourages investments in domestic refineries, including his 650,000-barrels-per-day facility near Lagos. Dangote further accused Ahmed of sleaze and living beyond his legitimate means, and demanded a thorough investigation and possible prosecution for graft and economic sabotage.
Regulator’s stance and political reaction
The NMDPRA leadership has previously rejected similar accusations, describing them as unfounded and suggesting that Dangote is seeking an unfair advantage in the fuel market. Lawmakers in the National Assembly have summoned both parties, urging them to cease public hostilities while parliamentary committees probe the allegations and their implications for fuel pricing and supply stability.
Fallout and sector impact
The controversy has already triggered shockwaves across the oil and gas industry, with reports indicating that Farouk Ahmed has offered to step aside or is on his way out as pressure mounts on the regulator. Analysts say the dispute, widely framed as a “petrol war”, highlights the struggle over who will dominate Nigeria’s downstream market as Dangote’s refinery ramps up production. The outcome of the probes could reshape fuel import policies, local pricing dynamics and public confidence in the integrity of sector regulators.
