The Senate has reopened investigations into the leadership crisis rocking the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority (ELRA), focusing on the alleged unlawful removal of the agency’s former Acting Chief Executive Officer, Saidu Njidda.
The controversy dates back to mid-2023 when the Federal Government dissolved the governing boards of ministries, departments and agencies shortly after President Bola Tinubu assumed office. The directive, issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, left ELRA without a clear transition process, resulting in administrative stagnation and multiple petitions from stakeholders.
One of the petitions, submitted by the Northern Alliance Committee (NAC), alleged that Njidda—who previously served as Executive Chairman and Acting CEO—was removed in violation of the ELRA Act and several public service regulations.
At Wednesday’s hearing, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, reviewed the petition seeking Njidda’s reinstatement pending amendments to the agency’s enabling law.
Representing the NAC, Prof. Ibrahim Madugu argued that the removal was “unceremonious and unlawful,” insisting that Njidda was never issued a formal disengagement letter as required by public service rules. He described the alleged appointment of a new Registrar during the transition period as a breach of due process and cited recent remarks by President Tinubu emphasising the importance of administrative integrity.
However, ELRA officials dismissed the claims. Speaking on behalf of the agency, Oluwasogo Adeuja said Njidda’s tenure ended automatically when the board under which he served was dissolved on June 19, 2023. He added that the Attorney-General of the Federation had affirmed this position.
Adeuja further disclosed that an audit by the Office of the Auditor-General raised concerns over payments allegedly made by Njidda to himself during his tenure, prompting a demand for refund. He stressed that only the President is empowered to appoint or remove the ELRA Registrar or CEO, noting that a new substantive Registrar was appointed in October 2024 following the inauguration of a new board.
The NAC maintained that its petition was not an attempt to challenge presidential authority but to ensure fairness and due process, stating that appeals to relevant executive bodies failed to resolve the issue.
Committee chairman Imasuen commended the parties for their conduct and directed the Minister of Finance to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to address the dispute internally. The panel adjourned the matter for one month to allow room for reconciliation, warning that a comprehensive investigation would follow if no resolution is reached.
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