Farouk Ahmed has resigned as Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) following corruption allegations levelled against him by Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote.

The development was confirmed on Wednesday by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, who also announced that Gbenga Komolafe has exited his role as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

According to Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the names of two nominees to the Senate for confirmation as replacements, urging lawmakers to fast-track the process. The nominees are Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC and Saidu Mohammed as head of the NMDPRA.

“The two nominees are seasoned professionals in the oil and gas industry,” the statement said.

Hours before his resignation became public, Ahmed visited President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. The Bauchi-born former regulator arrived in traditional attire and spent less than 30 minutes at the Villa before departing.

Although the purpose of the visit was not disclosed, Ahmed declined to speak with journalists afterward, saying: “It’s already late for an interview. It’s past 5 p.m. Work has closed.”