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OPINION; WHY DANGOTE DESERVES THE SUPPORT OF NIGERIANS.

Published

10 months ago

December 19, 2025

By: A G Abubakar

For once, the cry for accountability shifted from the realm of the ordinary folk to that of the upper class. Dangote, the world’s richest Black man, had cause to question the integrity of one Engineer Farouk Ahmed, who until recently was the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA), regarding the motives behind some of the regulatory agency’s decisions. The latter purportedly responded with a public refutation of the allegations, for which he later issued a disclaimer.

However, and regardless of the said disclaimer, the development seemed to have awoken national consciousness on the dangers of systemic corruption. It also provides a glimpse into a classic intra-elite class war that could herald a renewed action against injustices in governance. But, before examining Engineer Farouk’s reaction (now disowned) a bird’s-eye view of Dangote and his empire would put the discourse in proper context. Dangote’s business model may not be the best, but no model is perfect. Capitalism and entrepreneurship were born out of the desire for profit maximisation—an approach precipitated by the 18th-century Industrial Revolution and fine-tuned by the post–World War II Bretton Woods system. Entrepreneurship under capitalism brooks no sentiment—no emotions, no morality. Give-back initiatives and corporate social responsibility (CSR)—grants, trusts, and foundations—remain largely discretionary.

Dangote does not operate differently. He favours monopoly and is ruthless with competitors. Abdul Samad Isiaka Rabiu of BUA Group and Cletus Ibeto of Ibeto Cement had to stand up to him to protect their cement business interests. As a Nigerian who built his empire within a compromised and corrupt system, Dangote has also mastered the art of “manipulation.” His hostile takeover of struggling ventures such as BCC, Gboko Cement, Savannah Sugar Company, National Salt Company (NASCON), and others was facilitated by successive governments’ patronage and lubrication. Today, he is worth over $30 billion in personal fortune and operates one of the world’s largest oil refineries. Other entities within the Dangote Group have also flourished beyond Nigeria’s shores. Dangote Cement has subsidiaries in Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, South Africa, Zambia, among others.

Despite Dangote’s Machiavellian approach to business, his sense of patriotism has never been in doubt. While many who made fortunes from Nigeria’s economic environment tend to invest abroad, Dangote chose instead to invest his wealth at home. Data from the World Bank indicate that Nigeria loses between $10 billion and $18 billion annually to illicit financial flows (IFF)—funds that could significantly transform the economy. Dangote, however, invested in domestic manufacturing. The Dangote Refinery has the capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day and produce about 3 million tonnes of fertiliser annually. At full capacity, it is alleged to be the largest single-train refinery in the world.

His circle of associates cuts across ethno-religious lines, just as the geographic spread of his enterprises does. Shrewd and highly calculating, Dangote has navigated the many dichotomies that have characterised Nigeria—ethnicity, faith, culture, and prejudice. But like most mortals, he has at times become a victim of his own success and the vagaries of a broken society. Nothing brought this to the fore more than the arrival of the Dangote Refinery (DR). The project strained his relationship with government and regulatory authorities, particularly the leadership of the NMDPRA under Engineer Farouk Ahmed.

From crude oil supply to quality control, pricing, licensing of pms importers and labour relations, Dangote was kept under sustained pressure. At one point, he became so frustrated that he openly offered to sell off the refinery. In his words: “I am now 67 years old; little life is left for me. What I am doing is for the nation, not for personal comfort.”

It appears Dangote may have pinned down one of his tormentors-in-chief—the former CEO of the NMDPRA. He removed the gloves and accused the agency’s leadership of subjecting him to unnecessary obstacles driven by unwholesome practices. He specifically accused the CEO of corruption, citing an alleged $5 million expenditure on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland.

While the accusations may carry emotional undertones, Engineer Farouk Ahmed’s now disclaimed public response did little to allay suspicion. The alleged refutation, titled “A Question of Integrity: Engineer Farouk Ahmed Responds,” arguably reinforced the case against him—at least in the court of public opinion, even after it was denied – maybe as an after thought. It could also be that a proxy did it in good faith to save his refutation.

Engineer Ahmed’s career reached a defining moment in 2012 when he attained management cadre as a General Manager. He became Deputy Director (Downstream) in 2015 and was eventually appointed CEO of the NMDPRA in 2021. Coincidentally—or perhaps not—the period between 2012 and 2025 coincided with the worst episodes of PMS scarcity in Nigeria. It was a time when Nigerians slept at filling stations, black-market fuel thrived, and adulteration and hoarding became big business. There is little to celebrate about that era.

Fuel subsidy payments nearly bankrupted the government, especially during Buhari’s second term. Over-invoicing and padding became rampant, forcing the Tinubu administration to remove the subsidy shortly after assuming office. Records from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) show that Nigeria spent ₦15.57 trillion on fuel subsidy between 2006 and 2023, much of it in questionable payments. In 2021 alone, ₦1.43 trillion—about 2% of GDP—was paid out. Engineer Farouk Ahmed was part of the system during this period.

With or without the disclaimer, Dangote’s allegation to the effect that Ahmed spent about $5 million as fees to give Secondary education to his kids, should still command public interest. Until Ahmed is cleared authorities claimed (though disowned) merit-based scholarships rebate that covered between 40% and 65% of the costs could still be part of Ahmed’s future short of accepting the alleged $5 million. But, then even a net fee $2.5 million, the amount would still be beyond the legitimate earnings of a full time public servant. This is because, if adjusted for inflation, the $2.5 million translates to roughly ₦15 billion. His reported annual gross emolument of ₦48 million as CEO pales in comparison to such expenditure.

As one commentator aptly observed: “Even if he earned ₦48 million annually for 35 years and somehow spent nothing—not one kobo—the total would be about ₦1.6 billion. That figure does not come close to the ₦30 billion reportedly spent on his children’s education.” School fees ordinarily constitute only a fraction of household expenditure. One wonders what level of investment Engineer Farouk Ahmed might have accumulated—through proxies or fronts—in real estate, equities, or other assets beyond what is captured in statutory asset declarations to the Code of Conduct Bureau.

It is also good that Engineer Farouk Ahmed’s issued disclaimer would distance him from the reference to his “family business.” That could have been a hard assertion to crack. Sokoto, where Ahmed came from, is historically known more as the Seat of the Caliphate, in reverence to the theocratic governance established by Usman dan Fodio between 1804 and 1903. Until the advent of modern politics, Sokoto, along with offshoots like Zamfara and Kebbi, was not known for producing dollar millionaires. Family businesses in Nigeria rarely survive their founders, as they are often limited to trading and haulage rather than sustainable investments.

The continued survival of Farouk Ahmed’s ancestral business empire until 2018, when his father passed on, is indeed commendable. Still, the numbers do not add up. The existence of a multibillion-naira corporate entity—firm, trust, foundation, or industry— in Sokoto should have been common knowledge. No such evidence has been presented, nor did the “disowned response” provide details on such. In fact until the return to civil rule in 1999 that created “politipreneurs” billionaires in the likes of Bafarawa, Wamakko, Tambuwal etc, Sokoto couldn’t boast more than a couple.

Dangote may not be a saint—nobody really is. But he has openly blown the whistle against what he perceives as an attempt to undermine his interests, reinforcing the notion that “the rich also cry.” His stance against corruption and impunity should resonate widely. The same scrutiny should be extended to state governors, local government chairmen, legislators, royal fathers, bank executives/owners, and captains of industry. Many of them harbour “Farouk Ahmeds” within. A united front is required to hold them accountable. Impunity and injustice have already triggered enough existential crises in Nigeria. If nothing is done to kill systemic corruption, corruption will eventually kill the nation.

The World Bank and the IMF have repeatedly warned of the fiscal damage caused by IFF and corruption in Nigeria, largely to no avail. However, government consciousness appears to be rising. The Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, recently acknowledged this while addressing global finance leaders on safeguarding sustainable development finance. She decried Nigeria’s estimated annual IFF losses of $17.7 billion. With figures like Dangote and the government seemingly aligned, the fight against corruption should be mounted in earnest.

If Dangote’s accusations amount to nothing, then the burden lies on the state to prove it. But if they hold even in part, Nigeria has been handed a rare opportunity to confront corruption where it hurts most—at the top. This moment must not be wasted. When the rich finally cry foul, the institutions of state must respond, not with silence or symbolism, but with courage. Either corruption is confronted now, or it continues its quiet work of destroying the nation.

Dangote is no saint, but saints do not build nations—institutions do. His whistle-blowing has shifted the anti-corruption debate from the margins to the centre of power. Nigeria must seize this moment to prove that accountability is not selective and that no office is too high for scrutiny. If this opportunity slips away, then corruption will remain what it has always been: the strongest institution in the land.

For years, ordinary Nigerians cried against corruption and were ignored. Now the cry comes from the elite, and the nation listens. This convergence must lead to action. The legislature, judiciary, and security agencies must rise beyond ritual investigations and cosmetic asset declarations. Nigeria stands at a crossroads: confront systemic corruption decisively or continue its slow, deliberate march toward national failure.

It must begin with the legislature, judiciary, and security agencies. The hapless public is watching. They cried long before the rich joined them. As the nation awaits further actions regarding Dangote’s allegations against Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the relevant institutions like the Code of Conduct Bureau, EFCC, ICPC, and the National Assembly shall do the needful – investigate him and his ilk, serving or outside government, hopefully beyond judicial theatrics.
A. G. Abubakar
agbarewa@gmail.com

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Kwara celebrates Fela’s legacy with retrospective exhibition

Published

1 day ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has celebrated the life and enduring influence of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with a retrospective exhibition aimed at preserving African cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.

The exhibition, titled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, was opened by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Institute of Contemporary African Art and Film in Ilorin on Monday.

The Governor said the establishment of the institute reflected his administration’s belief that development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include spaces that promote creativity, knowledge and economic opportunities.

“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” AbdulRazaq said.

According to him, cultural infrastructure plays an important role in connecting people to their history, broadening their imagination and encouraging critical thinking.

“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking,” the Governor said.

AbdulRazaq said the institute was established to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase the continent’s artists and thinkers to the world,
describing the decision to open the institution with an exhibition dedicated to Fela as significant, given the musician’s contribution to African music, social commentary and cultural expression.

“Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he added.

The Governor added that the late musician’s life demonstrated the capacity of artistic expression to influence public discourse and inspire social change.

The exhibition, curated by June Creative Art Advisory, led by its founder, Mrs Seun Alli, featured photography, archival materials, film, graphic works and other artistic expressions exploring Fela’s life, times and enduring influence.

AbdulRazaq commended the firm for bringing its curatorial expertise and creative vision to the project, while describing the exhibition as an opportunity for different categories of visitors to engage with the musician’s legacy.

He said the exhibition would provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom, inspire artists, support researchers and encourage young people to explore the creative industry.

“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he said.

The Governor clarified that the state government was not claiming ownership of Fela’s story but was providing a platform for younger generations to encounter and learn from his legacy, adding that the state government is optimistic that the institute would promote cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara State’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.

According to him, the institution’s success would be measured by the talents it nurtured, the ideas it inspired and the opportunities it created.

“Governments change, but institutions should endure,” the Governor said, expressing the hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of sustained cultural engagement at the institute.

“May this exhibition begin sustained cultural engagement at ICAAF and inspire our young people to create, question, discover and contribute to society,” he said.

AbdulRazaq added that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to building a state where cultural heritage, innovation and economic opportunities complemented one another.

In her address, the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said: “Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela
Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his music, ideas and artistic expression continue to influence generations.

“For the Ministry of Communications, this occasion speaks to an important part of our
mandate: promoting the stories, talents and creative expressions that shape our identity as a people.”

The Commissioner particularly noted that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, the State is creating opportunities for young people through investments in sectors such as film, fashion and technology.

She added: “Projects including
the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory and the Ilorin Innovation Hub reflect the administration’s commitment to developing talent and supporting enterprise.

“The Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, formerly the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, adds an important dimension to this effort. It provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.

“We want young Kwarans who are passionate about painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion and design to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others and showcase their talents.

“We also encourage students to engage with art and history beyond the classroom. Fela’s story is a fitting subject for this exhibition. It demonstrates how creativity
can go beyond entertainment to shape cultural identity and influence public conversations. There is much for our young people to learn from his artistic journey and enduring impact.

“It might also interest you that kwara state was also part of Fela’s creative showcase during his lifetime.”

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2027: Ilorin West LG Boss Leads APC Mega Rally In Ubandawaki

Published

1 day ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

•••Says Ward stands with APC

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Executive Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, has led an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ubandawaki Ward, reaffirming the commitment of party members and supporters to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who gathered to demonstrate their support for the party.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ladan declared that Ubandawaki Ward remains committed to the APC and its political leadership, expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), alongside other party candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful political engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging party faithful to remain united, engage constructively with residents, and work collectively towards the party’s political objectives.

Ladan also acknowledged the importance of Ubandawaki Ward in the political landscape of Ilorin West, encouraging party leaders and supporters to maintain cordial relationships, promote inclusive participation, and sustain engagement with the electorate. He stressed that a united party structure would help strengthen internal cooperation and effective grassroots coordination.

The mega rally renewed calls for unity, loyalty, and peaceful political participation among APC members and supporters, underscoring commitment by participants to mobilising support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while promoting peace, development, and responsible democratic engagement across Ilorin West Local Government Area.

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KW-IRS Staff Threaten Strike Over Alleged Poor Remuneration

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2026

Our Reporter

Mgt Accuses Union Of Dishing Out False Staff Remuneration Scale

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The staff of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) have lamented poor welfare conditions, rising living costs and stagnant salaries they have been subjected to, despite their contributions to the state’s revenue generation.

In a statement issued by the KWIRS chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the workers lamented that their sacrifice and professionalism, which have helped to place Kwara State among the more self-reliant states in the country, have not been matched with corresponding improvement in their welfare.

The workers questioned the disparity between their contributions to the state’s revenue and their welfare, saying many of them are battling financial hardship.

“We block leakages. We are posted to hospitals and other MDAs to secure government revenue. We work under pressure day and night but we continue to struggle to meet basic needs due to poor salaries.”

The association further expressed concern that personnel costs had remained unchanged for years while other expenditure heads had continued to increase.

It also cited a salary negotiation agreement dated October 11, 2022, which reportedly stated that the adjustment would be implemented “as soon as it can be accommodated in the budget.”

According to the workers, nearly four years after the agreement, there had been no implementation or clear indication of when the adjustment would take effect, despite the rising cost of living.

The staff said expenses on school fees, house rent, transportation and food had increased significantly while their salaries remained unchanged. “We smile outside but the majority of us are bleeding inside. We cannot continue to generate wealth for the state while we wallow in abject poverty,” they declared.

Urging their colleagues to remain united and resolute in pursuing improved welfare, the association said the workers should not expect better conditions without collectively standing up for their interests.

It called on members to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful as a 14-day period beginning October 15, 2026, counts down, without specifying further details in the statement about the expected action at its conclusion.

Reacting to the KW-IRS staff allegations, the Management, while
reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality and its statutory mandate, expressed dismay over public speculation on staff remuneration and attempts to politicise unverified internal administrative communications.

“Management is concerned by attempts to exploit unverified internal administrative communications for political purposes, create unnecessary tension and distract the Service from its responsibilities. KWIRS will not be distracted from its mandate by such narratives,” said the Management.

It added: “The isolated salary figures being circulated on social media do not represent the full remuneration structure or total emoluments of KWIRS staff. Staff compensation extends beyond regular monthly salaries and includes the following benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and approved arrangements:

“Annual and Performance-Related Bonuses: Annual, festive, and situational bonuses linked to revenue performance milestones and staff performance and situational economic palliatives are paid periodically to staff members

“Annual Leave Allowance: A separate annual payment in addition to regular monthly remuneration.
Staff Welfare and Operational Support: Structured measures designed to support staff welfare and professional development throughout their careers.

“Accordingly, assessing staff remuneration solely on selectively circulated salary figures presents an incomplete picture of the Service’s compensation and welfare structure.

“Management remains committed to staff welfare, motivation and professional development. The Service will continue to strengthen policies and operational processes that support staff well-being and performance, within government-approved resource allocations and applicable administrative frameworks. The Service remains one of the Government Institutions with the most recruitment requests and this is a testament of Management’s commitment to staff welfare.

“KWIRS urges members of the public, taxpayers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified and misleading narratives, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official Service communications for accurate information about its operations and staff policies.

“All stakeholders are encouraged to refrain from politicising internal administrative matters or spreading claims capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.

“KWIRS remains focused on its statutory responsibilities and committed to mobilising revenue for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kwara State.”