Fresh controversy has erupted around Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory sector as political activist and international affairs leader, Comrade Timi Frank, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend and investigate the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, over serious corruption allegations
Frank’s demand follows claims made by President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, alleging that about $5 million was spent on the secondary education of the NMDPRA boss’ children in Switzerland—an allegation that has sparked intense public debate and renewed scrutiny of regulatory leadership.
Describing the claims as grave, troubling and impossible to ignore, Frank said the allegations strike at the core of public accountability and integrity, particularly within institutions charged with regulating Nigeria’s strategic oil and gas sector.
“These allegations are extremely serious. Coming from Aliko Dangote—Africa’s richest man and a globally respected industrialist—they cannot be waved aside or trivialised,” Frank said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Frank currently serves as ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East and Senior Adviser to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA.
He warned that continued silence by the Presidency would undermine public confidence in the Tinubu administration’s anti-corruption stance.
“The President must act without delay by suspending the NMDPRA CEO and ordering an open, transparent and independent investigation. Anything short of this will deepen public distrust and damage confidence in government,” he said.
Frank also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately commence investigations, stressing that no public official should be immune from scrutiny.
“At issue here are allegations of extravagant personal luxury allegedly funded through public resources. This is unacceptable in any civilised democracy—especially at a time Nigerians are battling unprecedented economic hardship,” he said.
He noted that the allegations resonate deeply with citizens grappling with soaring living costs, job losses and declining purchasing power.
“While millions of Nigerians struggle daily to survive, allegations of obscene luxury by public officials strike a painful chord. This is a pattern Nigerians know too well,” Frank added.
According to him, failure to address the matter decisively could further erode trust in public institutions, deter investors and reinforce negative global perceptions of Nigeria’s commitment to transparency and good governance.
Frank reserved strong praise for Dangote, describing his decision to speak out as an act of patriotism and moral courage.
“He had nothing to gain personally by raising this issue. He chose to stand with ordinary Nigerians, and that deserves commendation,” he said.
He disclosed that Dangote has reportedly expressed readiness to cooperate fully with investigators if invited, urging authorities to seize the opportunity to establish the facts.
“I welcome Comrade Aliko Dangote into the frontlines of the anti-corruption struggle. His voice and influence can help strengthen national resolve to confront corruption head-on,” Frank stated.
He concluded by insisting that if the NMDPRA CEO is confident of his innocence, he should step aside and submit himself to investigation to clear his name.
“This matter must not be swept under the carpet. Accountability must prevail. Nigeria cannot afford delay, silence or selective justice in the face of allegations of this magnitude,” Frank said.