By SUNTV Global Channel | March 1, 2026
The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) has confirmed the exit of Ambassador Zakari Usman as Director of Programmes, following weeks of controversy sparked by an investigative report that accused senior officials within the agency of financial misconduct and tenure manipulation.
The development comes after an exposé published by SaharaReporters alleged that a top associate within the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps diverted approximately $480,000 from funds meant for official operations and volunteers deployed abroad.
In an official statement issued by NTAC’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi, the agency described Usman’s departure strictly as a retirement.
According to the statement, Usman formally retired from service on February 14, 2026, and handed over responsibilities to his successor, Ambassador A. B. Jaye, who assumed office on February 26.
The Director-General of NTAC, Yusuf Buba Yakub, expressed appreciation for Usman’s service and wished him a successful retirement, while welcoming the new Director of Programmes.
However, the official communication made no reference to the corruption allegations that had recently dominated discussions within Nigeria’s foreign service community.
Sources familiar with the situation told SUNTV Global Channel that the controversy stemmed from claims that Usman and senior officials allegedly exploited foreign trip allowances and programme funds.
Insiders alleged that frequent overseas trips reportedly came with advances of at least $10,000 per trip, which were allegedly converted into personal benefits rather than official operational expenses. The pattern was said to occur multiple times monthly, leading to claims that the total amount collected could have reached nearly $480,000.
Concerns reportedly raised by an agency accountant about the frequency and size of the advances were allegedly ignored.
Further controversy surrounded claims that Usman remained in office after reaching Nigeria’s mandatory retirement age of 60.
Sources alleged that despite widely celebrating his 60th birthday within the agency, a one-year extension of his service was granted under questionable circumstances—an action insiders described as unprecedented and contrary to public service rules.
Documents cited by investigators reportedly indicated that the extension was approved after his official retirement date.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, there has been no publicly announced investigation or disciplinary action from supervising authorities.
Observers say the situation has raised broader concerns about transparency and oversight within Nigeria’s foreign service institutions.
The Nigerian Technical Aid Corps is a key component of Nigeria’s foreign policy strategy, deploying professionals such as doctors, engineers, and teachers to partner countries across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific to promote South-South cooperation and strengthen diplomatic ties.
However, analysts say the recent controversy has cast a shadow over the agency’s reputation at a time when Nigeria is seeking to rebuild public trust in government institutions.
For now, while Usman has exited under the official designation of retirement, the unanswered questions surrounding the alleged $480,000 diversion and tenure extension continue to linger.
