Dangote Accuses NMDPRA Boss of Living Beyond His Earnings Over Alleged $5m School Fees

Story: written by Peterson December 15,2025
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has openly criticised the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, accusing him of maintaining a lifestyle that exceeds his legitimate income.

Dangote called for a thorough investigation into Ahmed’s finances as tensions between both figures resurfaced. Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the billionaire industrialist alleged that the NMDPRA boss spent about $5 million on secondary school fees for each of his children in Switzerland.

According to Dangote, such expenditure raises serious red flags and should automatically attract scrutiny, regardless of who is involved.

He stated that even with his vast personal wealth, paying such an amount would warrant investigation by tax and regulatory authorities.

“Mallam Farouk reportedly sent four of his children to secondary schools in Switzerland, paying about $5 million for their education, not even at university level,” Dangote said.

“When his official earnings are considered, they do not justify such massive school fees. Even if I were to spend $5 million over six years on my own children, the tax authorities would have every reason to question my income and tax records.”

Dangote also drew attention to the economic realities in Ahmed’s home state of Sokoto, noting that many families struggle to raise as little as ₦100,000 for school fees, forcing children out of classrooms.

As of the time of filing this report, Farouk Ahmed has not issued any response to the allegations made against him.