“He Needed to Be Hanged”: Oshiomhole on Former NMDPRA Boss Farouk Ahmed

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has sparked controversy by calling for the “hanging” of Farouk Ahmed, the former CEO and managing director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), following Ahmed’s resignation from the agency. The remarks came during Thursday’s plenary session at the screening of Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, nominated as the new NMDPRA chief.

Oshiomhole, who previously served as governor of Edo State, expressed satisfaction at Ahmed’s removal. “Your predecessor, Mr Ahmed Farouk, who was removed, and I celebrated it last night. He needed to be hanged,” he said. “In my previous statement, I said if we don’t hang him, he will hang Nigeria.”

The senator accused Ahmed of obstructing job creation and favouring importation over domestic industry. “Anyone who is opposed to jobs being created in Nigeria, who prefers importation, importing poverty here and exporting out prosperity abroad, does not deserve to live. I want to see how his case will be pursued to a conclusion,” Oshiomhole said.

Turning to the newly appointed NMDPRA boss, Oshiomhole stressed the importance of sound policy over mere qualifications. “Looking at your CV, you are qualified. The issue for me is not about qualification. It’s about policy choices, and that’s why I want to learn from you,” he told Mohammed. He urged the incoming CEO to protect local industries and create jobs, saying, “Everywhere in the world, nations make deliberate efforts to protect local industries to create jobs.”

Ahmed’s resignation followed allegations from Aliko Dangote, president and CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, who accused him of living well beyond his earnings. In a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dangote called for Ahmed’s arrest, investigation, and prosecution for alleged financial impropriety.

In response, Ahmed denied the allegations, describing them as “wild and spurious” in a statement circulated on NMDPRA’s X page. “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. 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,” he said.

The ICPC confirmed receipt of Dangote’s petition and announced that it will investigate the claims against Ahmed.