Uncategorized

OPINION; WHY DANGOTE DESERVES THE SUPPORT OF NIGERIANS.

Published

9 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

Uncategorized

Gov AbdulRazaq Lauded Over Conferment Of Sadauna Of Ilorin Title

Published

18 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been hailed for the conferment of the prestigious Sadauna of Ilorin Emirate title on him by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.

Giving the commendation on Tuesday in a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, Alhaji Yakubu Garba Gobir, who is the Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of the Ilorin Emirate, described the recognition and honour on Governor AbdulRazaq as well deserved, timely and apt, giving his huge contributions to the growth and development of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.

Gobir specifically commended the Emir of Ilorin for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna, noting that it is a solemn call for greater responsibility, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people.

He added: “The title of Sardauna occupies a position of profound significance in the history, heritage and traditions of the Ilorin Emirate. I commend His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Emir of Ilorin, for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna.

“The title embodies courage, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people. Your elevation is therefore not merely a mark of honour; it is also a solemn call to greater responsibility and continued service.

“As a fellow title-holder in the Ilorin Emirate, I am particularly delighted to welcome you into this distinguished circle of traditional leadership. I am confident that you will bring to the office the same qualities of leadership, dignity and unwavering commitment to public service that have distinguished your tenure and career.

“At a time when our Emirate and our State require men and women of character, wisdom and courage to advance the interests of our people, I am certain that you will make a meaningful contribution to the enduring unity, progress and development of the Ilorin Emirate.”

Gobir offered prayers for a successful, impactful and enduring tenure for the new Sadauna, adding:
“May Almighty Allah grant you wisdom, sound health and strength, and may He make your tenure as Sardauna of Ilorin a source of lasting honour to you, your family and the entire Ilorin Emirate.”

Uncategorized

FG Commissions KWASU ICT Centre To Enhance Graduates Employability

Published

19 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin.

The wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative-backed ICT Experience Centre at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

It would be recalled that KWASU is one of the six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of this intervention, with one institution representing each of the Nigerian six geopolitical zones.

Represented at the commissioning on Tuesday by the wife of the Vice-President, Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the project is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to advancing education, digital inclusion and enhancing graduate employability.

“The TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre we are commissioning today represents opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and the future of young people in Kwara State and beyond.

She said: “This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places emphasis on youth empowerment, education, innovation, and economic transformation. Mr President is committed to creating opportunities that will equip Nigerian youths with knowledge and skills required to thrive in a modern and competitive world.”

Senator Tinubu said the facility was designed as a modern technology centre equipped with ICT laboratory, interactive digital display, conference facility, and exhibition spaces, adding that it would be an environment for learning, creativity, research, and technology advancement.

According to her, the ICT centres had been commissioned at the Ekiti State University on May 28, University of Cross Rivers State on September 4, Anambra State Polytechnic on September 10, adding that the Centres at Kaduna State University and Taraba State Universities would be commissioned soon.

“The next phase of this intervention will cover 15 institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara states which construction is currently ongoing. This expansion demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youths, irrespective of their locations, have access to digital learning opportunities,” she said.

She encouraged the students to take ownership of the facility, maximise the opportunity it provides, and use technology positively to enhance their lives, community, and the nation.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Architect Sonny Echono, said the centres are being established across selected Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with the Kwara State University, Malete proudly hosting the facility in the North-Central Zone.

“Through practical training and digital skills acquisition, TETFund seeks to enhance graduate employability, foster innovation and position Nigeria to participate more effectively in the global
technology-driven economy,” he added.

Echono also said that the ICT Experience Centre is designed to equip students and lecturers with critical digital skills in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Robotics and Software Development.

He added: “The Centre being commissioned today is one of the foremost ICT Experience Centres being delivered across the country, and the third to be commissioned this year. The Centre is equipped with modern digital devices, Computer systems and relevant software to facilitate training, practical learning and skills development. The facility is appropriately furnished and
fully air-conditioned, with supporting power and municipal infrastructure.”

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Shaykh- Luqman Jimoh, said the new facility represents vision, belief, and an investment in the Nigerian youth to better shape the future of our
nation.

The Vice Chancellor described the ICT Experience Centre as an investment in human capital, in innovation, in entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, it is an investment in the future of Nigeria.

“This Centre will provide opportunities for our students to develop practical digital skills and engage with contemporary technologies. Importantly, it is our hub for interdisciplinary engagement.

“This ICT Experience Centre is therefore a timely, critical, and strategic infrastructure that will definitely enhance research, teaching, learning, entrepreneurship, and community service. This intervention is at the core of what this university seeks from partners and donors: synergies that add value and impact on today and the future,” he started.

KWASU Vice Chancellor also assured that the ICT Experience Centre would be put to maximum use for the benefit of students, researchers, and the University
community, adding that the “KWASU community would engage with the facilities in this Centre, we will use it. We will explore, experiment, learn, and innovate in i

Uncategorized

2027: Violent ;Kaduna as ADC, APC Supporters Trade Accusations….APC Calls For Police Investigation into the Vandalisation, attacks on its Office

Published

19 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Agboola

Tension is mounting in Kaduna State ahead of the 2027 general elections, following renewed exchanges between supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and groups backing the administration of Governor Uba Sani.
The latest development came on Tuesday when ADC governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru, addressed supporters in Kaduna and, according to an account of his remarks, declared that the party was prepared to respond to attacks against its members.
Ashiru was also quoted as saying that it was Governor Uba Sani, rather than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was responsible for the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

However, available public records show that El-Rufai’s detention followed proceedings before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with the commission stating that his continued custody was based on a court-issued remand order.

The controversy over El-Rufai’s detention has nevertheless become a major political issue in Kaduna and beyond. The ADC has repeatedly criticised the handling of the former governor’s case and alleged political persecution, while other political actors have made different claims about the circumstances surrounding his detention.
Rising political temperature

Ashiru’s emergence as the ADC governorship candidate has added another dimension to the political contest in Kaduna. He defeated other aspirants at the party’s governorship primary in May 2026 and is now preparing for another governorship contest after previously representing the PDP in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
The political atmosphere has been further complicated by disagreements within the ADC and accusations from different groups over the party’s leadership and candidates.

A Southern Kaduna political group, for instance, recently questioned Ashiru’s candidacy and the choice of his running mate, allegations rejected by an ADC official.
The situation has also produced incidents involving ADC supporters and security personnel. In one recent incident, police dispersed an ADC solidarity walk in Kaduna, while the party subsequently accused opponents of attacking its members and warned that political violence could escalate ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former governor remains an important factor in the emerging political contest. El-Rufai was taken into custody in February 2026 after responding to an invitation from the ICPC. His family subsequently demanded his release, while the anti-graft agency maintained that his detention was authorised by a court.
Since then, the issue has increasingly featured in political statements by the ADC and its supporters, with the party accusing the Federal Government of political persecution and calling for the former governor’s release.
The development has created a new political fault line involving the ADC, the APC-led Kaduna State Government and supporters of the former governor.

While allegations have been exchanged over who is responsible for political violence in Kaduna, the competing narratives should not be confused with established findings. The ADC itself has recently rejected the suggestion that it has a monopoly on political violence and accused unnamed opponents of introducing thuggery into the 2027 political process.

With the 2027 election campaign yet to fully commence, the increasingly combative language from ISA Ashiru and his supporters has raised concerns about the possibility of further confrontation.
The immediate challenge before the political parties, security agencies and community leaders is therefore to ensure that political disagreements do not degenerate into violence, particularly in a state with Kaduna’s history of politically and communally sensitive conflicts.
As at the time of filling tid report the All progressive congress, APC , Kaduna state in a statement has condemned the attacks on its office and called for police investigation
Certainly. I’ll retain the substance of the report while correcting grammar, tightening the structure, and presenting it as a clean newspaper hard-news story.
Writing
APC Condemns Violent Attacks on Members, Party Offices in Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned alleged violent attacks on its members and the vandalisation of party offices and properties in the state.
The party also called on the police and other security agencies to investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
In a statement, the Kaduna State APC Publicity Secretary, Sani Dan-Azare, alleged that some of the party’s members and supporters had been attacked, while some party and support-group offices were vandalised.
He also alleged that vehicles belonging to some party members were damaged during the incidents.
The APC described the attacks as unacceptable and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The party called on its members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that they should not resort to retaliation or take the law into their own hands.
The APC said it remained committed to peaceful political engagement and urged all political actors in Kaduna State to conduct their activities within the bounds of the law.
It further appealed to security agencies to strengthen security around party offices and other sensitive locations to prevent further incidents.