Tinubu appoint new PTDF boss, renew TCN MD tenure for second term

President Bola Tinubu don shake table for Abuja today as e announce two major appointments for Nigeria energy sector. The big news na say Prof. Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu now be the new Executive Secretary of Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF). E dey replace Ahmed Galadima Aminu wey resign to go pursue governorship election for Adamawa come 2027.

At the same time, Tinubu renew Engineer Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz appointment as Managing Director and CEO of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). This one na second and final term for Abdulaziz. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga drop the gist for statement wey come out from State House on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

Make we talk about this new PTDF boss first. Prof. Aliyu na academician wey don waka for public sector for years. Before this appointment, e dey serve as Executive Secretary of National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education. Presidency yarn say the man get experience for research, education, and institutional leadership.

Tinubu dey expect say Aliyu go use im experience reposition PTDF for better impact. The fund na key agency wey dey develop human capacity and technical expertise for Nigeria petroleum industry. E dey handle training, scholarship, and support for oil and gas sector.

Now make we turn to TCN matter. Abdulaziz renewal come after comprehensive assessment of im performance. Presidency talk say under im leadership, TCN don record improvements for grid stability, transmission capacity expansion, and system modernisation. Abdulaziz get over 30 years experience for power sector and e don contribute to regional electricity integration through West African Power Pool (WAPP).

But wait o, this renewal no dey without kontroversy. SaharaReporters don report say Abdulaziz first tenure get allegations of procurement fraud and bribery. January 2024, dem expose document from Bureau of Public Procurement wey show say Abdulaziz violate Public Procurement Act for contract award worth N5.7 billion.

The report yarn say 33 contracts wey TCN award under emergency process no qualify as emergency according to law. March 2024, another report claim say Abdulaziz buy 2023 Lexus LX 600 for Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu. The SUV cost N298 million and dem allegedly use TCN internally generated revenue buy am.

TCN don deny any wrongdoing for these matters. But the allegations still dey hang for air as Abdulaziz get im second term.

Back to the appointments, both of dem take immediate effect. Tinubu charge the two appointees to do their work with diligence, integrity, and strong sense of national service. E talk say their roles dey critical to advance im administration Renewed Hope Agenda and improve service delivery for key sectors.

The appointments come at time wey federal government dey push to strengthen institutions for energy and power sectors. For petroleum side, Nigeria still dey struggle with local capacity development and technical expertise. For power side, grid stability and transmission capacity remain major challenges wey affect electricity supply across the country.

Observers dey watch to see how this new PTDF boss go perform. Aliyu background for education and administration fit help am tackle human capital development for oil and gas sector. But the real test go be how e go manage the fund resources and ensure transparency.

For Abdulaziz case, the renewal show say Tinubu dey satisfied with im work despite the kontroversy. But the allegations go follow am throughout this second term. People dey expect say e go face more scrutiny as e continue to manage Nigeria transmission network.

One thing clear: Tinubu dey make moves wey go affect Nigeria energy future. Whether these appointments go bring positive change or na just another round of musical chairs, time go tell. For now, the two men don collect their appointment letters and dem don enter office.