The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ahmed Farouk, has rejected corruption allegations made against him by the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, describing them as “wild and spurious.”

In a disclaimer personally signed by him, Farouk said a statement circulating in the media and attributed to him did not originate from his office. He added that he would refrain from engaging in public exchanges with the billionaire businessman and would instead await a formal investigation to clear his name.

“My attention has been drawn to a purported response I was said to have made on the recent allegations against my person.

“I hereby state categorically that the so-called statement did not emanate from me.

“While I am aware of the wild and spurious allegations made against me and my family and the frenzy it has generated, as a regulator of a sensitive industry, I have opted not to engage in public brickbat.

“Thankfully, the person behind the allegations has taken it to a formal investigative institution. I believe that would provide an opportunity to dispassionately distill the issues and to clear my name,” Farouk said.

Dangote had, on Sunday, accused Farouk of economic sabotage, alleging that the regulator’s actions were undermining domestic refining and favouring fuel importation.

The public disagreement between both men dates back to July 2024, when Farouk said some locally refined petroleum products, including those from the Dangote Refinery, were inferior to imported fuel. Dangote rejected the claim and publicly tested diesel produced at his refinery during an oversight visit by members of the National Assembly.