Tinubu Renews TCN CEO Tenure Despite Multi-Billion Naira Contract Fraud Allegations
In a controversial move that has sparked debate across Nigeria’s power sector, President Bola Tinubu renews TCN CEO tenure for Sule Abdulaziz for a second and final term, despite ongoing allegations of procurement violations and a N298 million luxury SUV scandal that has dominated headlines for months.
The President approved the renewal of the appointment of Sule Abdulaziz as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria for a second and final term. According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Aliyu is a seasoned academic and administrator with extensive experience in research and institutional leadership.
Clouds of Controversy Hang Over Renewal
The timing of this renewal has raised eyebrows, particularly given the series of corruption allegations that have dogged Abdulaziz’s tenure. A document from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has revealed that the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, violated the Public Procurement Act, 2007 in N5,677,692,943.26 worth of contract award.
More damaging still was the revelation of the luxury vehicle scandal. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Abdulaziz Ahmed Sule, has reportedly bought a 2023 Lexus LX 600 model for the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu. The SUV was procured for 298,444,187.50k. Sources told SaharaReporters that Sule bought the vehicle from the internally generated revenue of the company to bribe the minister to ensure that President Bola Tinubu does not remove him from office.
New PTDF Leadership Takes Charge
As Tinubu renews TCN CEO tenure, he also appointed Professor Shu’aibu Aliyu as the new Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF). President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Shu’aib Aliyu as the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund. Aliyu replaces Ahmed Aminu, who resigned his position to pursue the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa State.
The appointment signals a broader reshuffling in Nigeria’s energy sector leadership, with international energy organizations watching closely as Africa’s largest oil producer attempts to reform its troubled power infrastructure.
Performance Amid Controversy
Despite the allegations, the presidency cited performance improvements as justification for the renewal. Under Abdulaziz’s stewardship, TCN has recorded notable improvements in grid stability, transmission capacity expansion, and system modernisation, reinforcing its role in Nigeria’s electricity value chain. Abdulaziz brings over three decades of experience in the power sector and has strengthened regional electricity integration through leadership in the West African Power Pool (WAPP).
However, critics argue these achievements are overshadowed by governance failures. We can all imagine the positive impact of 226 container load of power equipment and transformers to the national grid and electricity supply across the country, instead the MD of TCN can raise over one quarter of the same amount to buy car for a Minister.
The Road Ahead
As Tinubu renews TCN CEO tenure, questions remain about accountability in Nigeria’s power sector. The president’s decision to retain Abdulaziz despite multiple corruption allegations sends a complex message about his administration’s tolerance for alleged misconduct versus the need for experienced leadership in critical sectors.
Tinubu urged both appointees to discharge their duties with diligence and integrity in line with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Whether Abdulaziz can navigate the remaining controversies while delivering on Nigeria’s power sector goals remains to be seen.
With Nigeria continuing to struggle with epileptic power supply affecting millions daily, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The success or failure of this renewed tenure will ultimately be judged not by political calculations, but by whether ordinary Nigerians finally get the stable electricity they desperately need.
