By Tunde Ojudun
Farouk Ahmed, erstwhile CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), just days after Aliko Dangote accused him of corruption in a petition to the ICPC has resigned. The allegations include abuse of office, illicit enrichment, and the misappropriation of public funds.
Ahmed’s resignation, confirmed Tuesday by the State House, coincided with the departure of Gbenga Komolafe, head of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Both were appointed in 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari as part of the Petroleum Industry Act reforms.
President Bola Tinubu has nominated replacements and urged the Senate to fast-track their confirmation.
Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, a 68-year-old oil and gas veteran, is set to lead NMDPRA. His four-decade career includes top roles at Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, Nigerian Gas Company, and NNPC’s Gas & Power Directorate.
Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, former Executive VP for Upstream at NNPC, is nominated to head NUPRC. She retired in 2024 after a 33-year career in the oil sector.
The shake-up follows rising tensions between regulators and Dangote Refinery, which recently began operations with a 650,000 bpd capacity. Dangote has accused NMDPRA of planning a ₦250 billion payout to loss-making marketers.
While the State House did not reference the controversy, the dual resignations mark an unprecedented moment for Nigeria’s petroleum regulators. Industry analysts say the leadership changes come at a critical time as the country navigates subsidy removal, exchange rate volatility, and the integration of private refining capacity.
Senate confirmation hearings for the new appointees are expected in the coming weeks.