President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Professor Shu’aib Aliyu as the new Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), while also renewing the tenure of Sule Abdulaziz as the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
The decisions, which take immediate effect, were announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the Presidency, the appointment of Aliyu follows the resignation of the former PTDF Executive Secretary, Ahmed Aminu, who stepped down from the role to pursue his political ambition ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa State.
The PTDF is one of Nigeria’s key institutions in the oil and gas sector. It was established to develop local capacity by providing training, scholarships, and research support for Nigerians in petroleum-related fields. Over the years, the agency has played an important role in building skilled manpower for the country’s energy industry, which remains a major source of government revenue.
In the statement, the Presidency described Aliyu as a seasoned academic and administrator with wide experience in research and institutional leadership. It noted that his appointment reflects the government’s intention to strengthen institutions that are central to the growth of the petroleum sector.
“His appointment underscores the President’s commitment to strengthening key institutions in the petroleum sector and advancing capacity development for Nigeria’s energy industry,” Onanuga said.
He added that the President expects the new PTDF boss to bring fresh ideas and direction to the agency. “The President expects him to leverage his wealth of experience to reposition the PTDF for greater impact in human capital development, innovation, and strategic support for the oil and gas sector in line with national priorities.”
Industry observers say leadership at the PTDF is critical at a time when Nigeria is trying to maximise benefits from its oil and gas resources while also preparing for global energy changes. With increasing focus on cleaner energy worldwide, experts believe Nigeria must invest more in training and innovation to remain competitive.
Aliyu’s appointment is therefore seen as part of broader efforts by the Tinubu administration to improve governance in the energy sector and ensure that institutions deliver on their mandates.
In a related development, the President also approved the renewal of the appointment of Abdulaziz as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the TCN for a second and final term.
The TCN is responsible for the transmission of electricity across Nigeria. It plays a central role in the power sector by managing the national grid and ensuring that electricity generated by power plants is delivered to distribution companies and ultimately to consumers.
Nigeria’s power sector has faced many challenges over the years, including frequent grid collapses, limited transmission capacity, and outdated infrastructure. These issues have affected electricity supply to homes and businesses, slowing economic growth and causing frustration among citizens.
The Presidency said the decision to retain Abdulaziz was based on a review of his performance during his first term in office. It noted that under his leadership, the company recorded improvements in grid stability, expansion of transmission capacity, and modernisation of its systems.
The statement also highlighted Abdulaziz’s efforts in promoting regional electricity cooperation through the West African Power Pool, a project aimed at integrating power systems across West African countries to improve supply and reliability.
Despite some progress, many Nigerians still experience irregular electricity supply. Businesses often rely on generators, which increases costs and affects productivity. This has made reforms in the power sector a major priority for successive governments.
Tinubu’s administration has repeatedly stated its commitment to improving electricity supply as part of its broader economic agenda. The President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” focuses on key areas such as infrastructure, energy, and job creation.
By renewing Abdulaziz’s tenure, the government appears to be seeking continuity in the management of the transmission network, while also expecting further improvements in performance.
In his message to both appointees, Tinubu urged them to carry out their responsibilities with diligence and integrity. He emphasised the importance of delivering results that will benefit Nigerians and support national development.
“The President urges them to discharge their duties with diligence and integrity in line with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement said.
The appointments come at a time when Nigeria is seeking to strengthen its key institutions and improve service delivery across critical sectors. With the oil and gas industry still central to government revenue and the power sector vital for economic growth, effective leadership in these areas is seen as essential.
As Professor Aliyu takes over at the PTDF and Abdulaziz begins his second term at the TCN, attention will be on how both leaders perform in the coming months. Their success or failure will likely have a direct impact on the country’s energy future and overall economic progress.