Aeesha's Blog

Author: Aeesha Zannah

  • Guidelines For Application Into National Medical Team For 2026 Hajj – NAHCON

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has released the guidelines, terms and conditions for the application into the National Medical Team (NMT) for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

    According to a statement issued by NAHCON Management, the 2026 NMT operation will be conducted strictly on a voluntary basis, in line with international best practices and as approved by the Commission’s management.

    NAHCON explained that information provided by applicants would be used to determine eligibility and qualification for subsequent stages of screening or examination, adding that all submissions would be subjected to thorough verification.

    The Commission warned that any omission, misrepresentation or falsification of information could lead to outright rejection of an application or removal from the eligibility list.

    NAHCON further clarified that the application process was completely free of charge, stressing that it does not collect any fee, directly or indirectly, or through agents or agencies, for the NMT application.

    “Submission of an application form does not in any way guarantee eligibility or eventual selection,” the Commission stated.

    The Commission outlined the age requirements for applicants as follows: Doctors between 27 and 60 years; Pharmacists between 26 and 60 years; and Nurses as well as all other medical categories between 22 and 60 years.

    It stated that applicants seeking membership of the National Medical Team must be in active service at the time of application and must not have participated in any of the last three Hajj operations conducted in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

    NAHCON also said applicants must be willing to work for a minimum of 28 days and remain in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for up to 45 days before returning to Nigeria.

    The Commission noted that successful applicants would not be disengaged for any reason before completing their assigned 28 days of duty.

    It added that all successful applicants must demonstrate good conduct and strictly adhere to their professional code of ethics, as well as comply with additional rules and regulations issued by NAHCON for the NMT operations.

    NAHCON further stated that each application must be supported by a guarantor’s attestation.

    According to the Commission, the guarantor must be a credible individual who is either a career civil servant not below Grade Level 15, a traditional ruler, a magistrate or a local government chairman.

    It added that the guarantor must have known the applicant for a minimum of five years and be able to vouch for the applicant’s integrity, competence and capability, while also being willing to submit a copy of a valid means of identification recognised in Nigerian public offices.

    The Commission listed the mandatory documents to be attached to the application as a completed guarantor’s form, basic professional certificate, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate where applicable, current annual professional practising licence, a passport-style profile photograph with white background, applicant’s declaration and an employer’s clearance letter.

    NAHCON emphasised that only eligible medical personnel are advised to apply, adding that only successful applicants would be contacted after each stage of the selection process.

    The Commission reiterated that all successful personnel would serve strictly on a voluntary basis.

    Applications can be submitted online via the NAHCON registration portal at https://nahcon.gov.ng/nmt/sign_up.php.

    For further updates, applicants are advised to follow NAHCON’s official information channel at; https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6v0fr7DAX4HAKLhe3E.

  • NBA Condemns Police Plan To Resume Enforcement Of Tinted Glass Permit

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the Nigeria Police Force over its decision to resume enforcement of the suspended tinted glass permit policy from Jan. 2, 2026, describing the move as a violation of the rule of law.

    The police had, in a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, announced that enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy would resume in January, citing a surge in vehicle-related crimes.

    Hundeyin said the decision followed a careful review of emerging security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of citizens.

    However, the NBA, in a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, faulted the decision, noting that the legality of the policy is currently before the Federal High Court, Abuja, with hearing concluded and judgment reserved.

    The association said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has a constitutional obligation to respect the judicial process and refrain from actions capable of pre-empting or undermining the court’s decision.

    According to the NBA, its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) had on Sept. 2, 2025, instituted an action at the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025, Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association v. Inspector General of Police & Anor.

    The suit challenges the legality of the tinted glass permit policy, particularly the alleged lack of constitutional or statutory authority empowering the police to impose fees or financial obligations on citizens in the name of enforcing the policy.

    The NBA argued that the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act of 1991, on which the policy is based, is a military-era law that does not meet democratic standards under Section 45 and other provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

    It further contended that the National Assembly lacks the legislative competence to enact the law, rendering it invalid.

    The association also expressed concern that enforcement of the policy would encourage extortion and abuse, citing what it described as the police’s long history of bribery, harassment, intimidation and extrajudicial actions.

    The NBA alleged that the policy is being used as a revenue-generating scheme by the police, contrary to the law, adding that fees are reportedly paid into the account of a private company rather than the Treasury Single Account.

    It said the levy imposed by the permit policy adds to the burden of multiple taxation on Nigerians and portrays the country as an unfriendly environment for business, especially at a time of economic hardship.

    The association also noted that modern vehicles are imported with factory-fitted tinted glasses, a fact it said the police have ignored in enforcing the policy.

    It further criticised the nullification of already issued permits and the requirement for renewal, which it said has no legal basis.

    The NBA disclosed that court processes were duly served on the defendants, including the IGP, who engaged Chief Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN, to represent the police.

    It added that on Oct. 3, 2025, the Federal High Court, Warri Division, ordered parties to maintain the status quo in Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, John Aikpokpo-Martins v. Inspector General of Police, restraining the police from enforcing the policy pending determination of a motion for interlocutory injunction.

    According to the NBA, the court order and public outcry led to a meeting involving police authorities, their counsel and NBA representatives, where it was agreed that enforcement of the policy should be suspended pending the outcome of cases in court.

    The association, therefore, questioned the decision of the police spokesperson to announce a resumption of enforcement from Jan. 2, 2026.

    It described the announcement as evidence of disregard for the rule of law and due process by the police.

    The NBA warned that it would initiate contempt proceedings against the IGP and the Force Public Relations Officer if enforcement resumes, contrary to undertakings allegedly made in open court.

    It also directed all NBA branches and its Human Rights Committee to provide legal assistance to any Nigerian harassed, arrested, or prosecuted under the policy.

    The association called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and caution the police, warning that resumption of enforcement would undermine the authority of the courts and impose additional hardship on citizens.

  • Ex-CJN Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad Dies At 71

    Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, has died at the age of 71.

    The News reports said that Muhammad passed away at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, about two weeks to his 72nd birthday, which would have been on Dec. 31.

    His death was confirmed by the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado.

    The governor described the late jurist as a patriotic Nigerian who devoted his life to the service of justice and the strengthening of the nation’s judicial system.

    “Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad exemplified the qualities of a patriotic Nigerian who devoted his life to the service of justice and the advancement of our great nation.

    “His passing is a significant loss, not only to Bauchi State but to the Nigerian judiciary and the rule of law,” the statement read.

    Also reacting to the development, the Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former CJN, describing it as a monumental loss to the country.

    In a condolence statement titled ‘NAMLAS Condolence Message on the Passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria’, the association said the late jurist’s demise had left a vacuum in the judiciary and the legal profession.

    “Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.

    “The Nigeria Association of Muslim Law Students, NAMLAS, National Headquarters, Abuja, receives with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria.

    “His demise is a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large,” the association said.

    Muhammad, who hailed from Bauchi State, served as Chief Justice of Nigeria after a long career in the judiciary, during which he rose through the ranks and contributed to the development of Nigeria’s legal system.

    Further details on burial arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.

  • Akpabio Denies Claims Of Collapse, Hospitalisation In London

    Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has refuted reports that he collapsed and was airlifted to a hospital in London for medical treatment.

    Kenny Okolugbo, Consultant on Communications and Strategy to the Senate President, described the circulating reports as false. Speaking in an interview with Daily Post, Okolugbo said succinctly, “It’s a lie, fake news,” without providing additional details.

    The clarification follows claims by an online news platform that Akpabio allegedly collapsed on December 10, 2025, and was transported on a private jet to London, reportedly arranged by businessman Aliko Dangote. Sources cited by SaharaReporters also claimed that this is the second instance Akpabio was rushed abroad for medical attention, sparking concerns over his health and capacity to continue leading the Senate.

    The alleged medical emergency coincided with the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) interactive session held on Wednesday, from which Akpabio was absent. Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi represented the Senate President at the event.

    One source reportedly disclosed that attending medical professionals had advised Akpabio to consider stepping down from his position to focus on his health. Akpabio’s last confirmed public appearance was on December 9, 2025, during the Senate’s approval of President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to the Republic of Benin.

    Efforts to verify the veracity of the claims remain ongoing as stakeholders and concerned senators reportedly visited London to monitor Akpabio’s condition.

  • University Of Sheffield Announces Undergraduate Merit Scholarship For International Students In 2026

    The University of Sheffield has unveiled its International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic session, offering a £10,000 tuition award to outstanding international students seeking to pursue undergraduate studies in the United Kingdom.

    According to an official statement from the University, the scholarship is aimed at supporting high-achieving students from all countries, excluding applicants for Medicine (A100/A101) and Dentistry (A200). Eligible candidates must secure an offer to study a full-time undergraduate programme at the University, either entering in their first or second year, and must be self-funded, not sponsored by any external body.

    The scholarship is renewable each academic year, provided recipients maintain a minimum of 60 per cent in their coursework and complete at least 120 credits in the previous year. However, all MArch programmes are considered postgraduate taught programmes and therefore are not eligible for the scholarship.

    The University of Sheffield emphasised that the merit scholarship may be combined with other departmental or faculty scholarships, provided the student is not already a sponsored student. It also reserves the right to review and amend the scholarship provisions.

    Application Process
    Interested candidates must first apply for admission to an undergraduate programme at the University of Sheffield. Upon receiving an offer, students can access the scholarship application form using their applicant login credentials. The deadline for submission is 1pm UK time on Tuesday, June 3, 2026. Successful applicants will be required to confirm acceptance of both the scholarship and their course offer by a specified date set by the University.

    Scholarship officials noted that the award is competitive and aims to attract academically outstanding students from around the globe. The University encourages applicants to stay updated via official channels, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram, for scholarship alerts and additional opportunities.

    The merit scholarship forms part of the University’s commitment to supporting international students and promoting academic excellence, while enhancing global diversity within its undergraduate programmes.

    For further information and to apply, candidates are advised to visit the official University of Sheffield scholarship portal.

    Further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures is available online at
    Apply Link;
    https://www.scholarshipregion.com/sheffield-undergraduate-merit-scholarship/

  • Purdue University Opens Applications For 2026 Fully Funded Summer Fellowship

    Purdue University Opens Applications for 2026 Fully Funded Summer Fellowship

    Purdue University, United States, has opened applications for its 2026 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), a fully funded programme open to both international and domestic undergraduate students.

    Information obtained by the News indicates that the fellowship is designed to provide selected students with the opportunity to engage in intensive research activities under the mentorship of Purdue University faculty members, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

    The summer fellowship, which will run for 11 weeks, is one of the largest undergraduate research programmes in the United States, with over 250 students reportedly participating in the 2023 edition.

    According to the programme details, successful candidates will receive comprehensive financial support, including a stipend of 6,500 dollars, a housing allowance of 2,500 dollars, furnished accommodation and travel reimbursement of up to 1,000 dollars.

    Participants are also expected to benefit from social engagement activities and enhanced communication and research skills during the programme.

    Purdue University, a public land-grant research institution located in West Lafayette, Indiana, was established in 1869 and is widely recognised for its strength in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

    The institution was ranked as the seventh most innovative national university, the eighth best engineering school and the 18th best public university in the United States in the 2025 U.S. News and World Report rankings.

    Eligibility criteria for the fellowship show that applicants from all countries are welcome to apply, provided they are currently enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s degree programme.

    Applicants must have completed at least one academic semester or quarter before the application deadline and possess a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent.

    The programme further requires that each participant submit a final report to their assigned supervisor at the end of the fellowship period.

    Foreign participants selected for the programme will be required to apply for a J-1 visa to enable them to participate in the research fellowship in the United States.

    The application deadline for the Purdue University Summer Fellowship 2026 is Jan. 15, 2026, and interested candidates are expected to submit their applications online through the official Purdue University website.

    Selection of candidates will be based on academic performance, quality of application, suitability for available research projects and overall fit for the programme. Prior research experience, however, is not mandatory, as the fellowship also targets first-time applicants interested in research exposure.

    The fellowship organisers advised interested students to complete their applications early and ensure that all required information is accurately provided before the deadline.

    Apply Link;
    https://brightscholarship.com/purdue-university-summer-fellowship-2026/

  • Yobe To Airlift 2026 Hajj Pilgrims From Muhammadu Buhari Airport

    The Yobe State Government has concluded key institutional engagements with relevant aviation agencies to facilitate the airlifting of intending pilgrims from the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport (MBICA), Damaturu, to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj.

    The Permanent Secretary, Yobe Ministry of Transport and Energy, Dr Mustapha Geidam, disclosed this in a statement issued in Damaturu on Tuesday.

    Geidam said the milestone followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Yobe State Government and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which, he said, was critical to achieving full certification of the airport.

    He explained that the state government had earlier signed similar agreements with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), thereby completing the required institutional framework for the airport’s operations.

    According to him, the collective agreements have placed MBICA in full compliance with the regulatory and operational requirements stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for airport certification.

    “The state government confirms that all critical institutional, technical and safety requirements for certification have been substantially addressed,” Geidam said.

    He added that the Aerodrome Manual and other key operational documents had been completed and harmonised in line with regulatory standards, while engagement with the NCAA was ongoing to facilitate inspection, validation and final approval.

    Geidam further stated that the airport had now secured comprehensive operational coverage, including aerodrome management and airport operations by FAAN, air navigation and air traffic management services by NAMA, as well as aviation meteorological and weather forecasting services by NiMet.

    He said the progress recorded underscored the commitment of the Yobe State Government to delivering a fully functional international cargo and passenger airport capable of supporting scheduled commercial flights and special aviation operations.

    “This includes Hajj and Umrah services, which will significantly ease travel for pilgrims from the state and neighbouring areas,” he noted.

    The permanent secretary said the development was in line with the vision of Gov. Mai Mala Buni to position Yobe as a strategic aviation, logistics and economic hub in the North-East region.

    According to him, the ministry is now focusing on securing final NCAA certification and operational clearance, strengthening capacity building and operational readiness of airport personnel, and sustaining coordination with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to ensure seamless Hajj operations.

    Geidam expressed optimism that the airport would be fully ready ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise, adding that the initiative would boost economic activities and enhance Yobe’s connectivity to international destinations.

  • FG Reopens Youth Empowerment Initiative For Climate Action, Targets 37,000 Young Nigerians

    The Federal Government has invited applications from young Nigerians for the 2026 Youth Empowerment Initiative for Climate Action, a nationwide programme designed to create jobs, promote environmental sustainability and build careers within the circular economy.

    The initiative, coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, is a revamped version of the Waste to Wealth Programme, reintroduced in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    According to the ministry, no fewer than 37,000 youths across the country will be trained and empowered with practical skills to transform waste into valuable, eco-friendly products and sustainable sources of income.

    A statement by the ministry explained that the programme is structured to address unemployment, environmental degradation and climate change through innovation, entrepreneurship and community-based solutions.

    > “This programme is a decisive step toward a cleaner environment, new job opportunities and a future driven by innovation. Young Nigerians will be empowered to turn waste into enterprise, income and sustainable solutions for national development,” the statement said.



    Programme Focus Areas

    Participants will receive specialised, hands-on training across key sectors of the circular economy, including:

    •Waste recycling

    •Upscaling and upcycling

    •Energy and community renewable solutions

    •Ecopreneurship

    •Biomass processing

    •Electronic waste management


    The initiative is expected to equip beneficiaries with practical skills needed to establish small businesses, secure employment and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s green economy.

    Eligibility Criteria

    To qualify for the programme, applicants must:

    •Be Nigerian citizens

    •Demonstrate interest in building a meaningful career in the circular economy

    N•o language proficiency test, including IELTS, is required for participation.

    Benefits

    The Federal Government said the programme would:

    •Create employment opportunities for young Nigerians

    •Promote income generation and entrepreneurship

    •Support sustainable environmental practices

    •Strengthen youth participation in climate action and innovation


    Application Process

    Interested and qualified candidates are required to apply online through the official application portal provided by the organisers. The deadline for submission of applications has not yet been specified.

    Applicants are advised to monitor official communication channels for updates regarding timelines and selection procedures.

    The Youth Empowerment Initiative for Climate Action forms part of broader government efforts to harness youth potential, drive economic diversification and promote sustainable development across the country.

  • Dangote Releases Alleged Evidence Of N7bn Foreign School Fees Paid For NMDPRA Chief’s Children

    President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on Tuesday released documents he said showed details of alleged foreign education expenses incurred by the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr Farouk Ahmed, for his children.

    Dangote, in a statement personally signed and circulated to the media, alleged that more than N7 billion was expended on the overseas education of Ahmed’s children, largely in Switzerland and the United States.

    According to the statement, the documents outlined the names of the children and the secondary schools they reportedly attended in Switzerland over an estimated six-year period each.

    The schools listed include Montreux School, Aiglon College, Institut Le Rosey and La Garenne International School.

    Dangote further alleged that the total cost of secondary education for the four children — covering tuition, accommodation, air tickets and other living expenses — exceeded five million dollars.

    He added that additional tertiary education costs for the children were estimated at about two million dollars over four years.

    The statement also claimed that, in 2025 alone, about 210,000 dollars was spent on one of the children, identified as Faisal Farouk, for a Master of Business Administration programme at Harvard University in the United States, comprising tuition and other associated expenses.

    Dangote recalled that he had earlier called for a full investigation into the matter during a press briefing at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos.

    He reiterated his demand that Ahmed should publicly explain the source of the funds allegedly used for the foreign education of his children, and urged relevant anti-corruption and oversight agencies to examine the claims.

    The business mogul also said the NMDPRA chief should appear before the Code of Conduct Tribunal to clarify the allegations, which he described as a matter of public interest.

    Dangote maintained that his actions were aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in public service, especially within critical regulatory institutions in the oil and gas sector.

    As of the time of filing this report, the NMDPRA and its chief executive had not issued an official response to the allegations.

  • Dangote Accuses NMDPRA Chief Farouk Ahmed Of Corruption Over Alleged $5m School Fees

    Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, has come under intense public scrutiny following allegations by President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, that the regulator spent about five million dollars on the secondary school education of his four children in Switzerland.

    Dangote made the allegation during a press briefing at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, sparking widespread debate on transparency, accountability and ethical conduct among senior public office holders.

    According to Dangote, the alleged expenditure raised serious questions about how a career public servant could afford such fees, insisting that the matter deserved thorough investigation by relevant authorities.

    “You cannot imagine somebody paying $5 million just to educate four children in secondary school,” Dangote said.

    He further stated that he was prepared to compel the schools involved to disclose the payments if the allegations were denied, adding that even his own children did not attend such institutions.

    “Even my own children didn’t go to those schools. My children went to a Nigerian secondary school,” he said.

    Profile of Farouk Ahmed

    Engr. Ahmed, born in July 1957, holds a degree in Engineering Technology from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, United States.

    He has built a long career spanning the technology sector and Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. He previously worked as a logic board verification engineer at Apple Computer Inc. in Dallas, Texas, before returning to Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

    Over the years, Ahmed has held several senior positions, including Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Authority (PPPRA), Managing Director of the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), and Special Adviser on Downstream Petroleum Matters to the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    He also served as Managing Director of NiDAS Marine Limited and worked as a senior crude oil trader with Duke Oil Inc.

    Ahmed is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in the United States, and a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

    He is the pioneer Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA, the agency responsible for regulating Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum operations.

    Ahmed was appointed in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari and was retained by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after he assumed office in May 2023.

    In a statement issued to mark his birthday in July 2025, the President, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, commended Ahmed for stabilising the downstream petroleum sector, ensuring fuel availability and eliminating fuel queues in the post-subsidy era.

    “As the pioneer head of NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed has been instrumental in stabilising Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector and laying the foundation for a more transparent, competitive and consumer-focused energy market,” the statement said.

    Allegations and Calls for Investigation

    Dangote stressed that his concern was not personal but centered on public accountability, describing the alleged conduct as economic sabotage if proven true.

    “I am not calling for his removal. What I am asking for is a proper investigation. He should be required to account for his actions and demonstrate that he has not compromised his position to the detriment of Nigerians,” Dangote said.

    He further contrasted the alleged spending with the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians, noting that families in parts of the country struggle to pay school fees of N100,000.

    While the allegations have generated intense public debate, Ahmed has yet to make a public response.

    Earlier in July 2025, the NMDPRA dismissed similar claims that Ahmed spent over $5.5 million on foreign education for his children, describing them as false and part of an orchestrated smear campaign against the agency.

    SERAP Seeks Urgent Probe

    Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on anti-corruption agencies to urgently investigate the allegations.

    In a statement on Monday, SERAP urged the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to jointly probe the claims.

    The organisation specifically called for Ahmed to be invited for questioning and asked the agencies to establish the source of funds allegedly used for the foreign education of his children.

    “The anti-corruption agencies should jointly and urgently invite the Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, to explain the allegations,” SERAP said.

    SERAP also urged the Federal Government to protect Dangote as a whistleblower, describing his allegations as disclosures made in the public interest.

    PETROAN Dismisses Allegations

    However, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) dismissed Dangote’s claims, describing them as blackmail aimed at taking over Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.

    National President of PETROAN, Mr. Billy Gillis-Harry, said the accusations were too petty to be credible.

    “There is no way I can believe that Ahmed Faruq will have money to pay such secondary school fees. As far as I’m concerned, it’s blackmail,” he said.

    Background to Dangote–NMDPRA Dispute

    The latest controversy is not the first confrontation between Dangote and the NMDPRA.

    Between 2024 and 2025, Dangote Oil Refinery filed a lawsuit against the NMDPRA and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), challenging the issuance of fuel import permits to marketers despite local refining capacity.

    The suit, which sought N100 billion in damages, was later withdrawn by Dangote and subsequently dismissed by the court.

    Observers say the outcome of the current controversy may have significant implications for public trust, regulatory oversight and accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

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