BPE questions Transcorp over NITEL appointment

The Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) has questioned Transnational Corp. (Transcorp) on the recent appointment of Kevin Caruso as the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) chief executive.

The BPE is responsible for overseeing the privatization of government-owned public utility companies in Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference in Abujua, BPE Director General Irene Chigbue said that her office did not approve the appointment and that the BPE has already sent a query to the owners of NITEL for clarification.

Adedayo Ojo, head of Transcorp's corporate affairs, responded to the press via SMS (Short Messaging Service) that Transcorp acted according to the agreement it reached with the government on the purchase of NITEL.

"That clause gives Transcorp exclusive right and prerogative to appoint the chief executive officer for NITEL," he said.

Transcorp informed the BPE of the change in writing, as required, Ojo added.