Tinubu reconstitutes NERC board, tasks members with deepening power sector reforms

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the full reconstitution of the Board of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) following the Senate’s confirmation of the nominees on December 16, in a move aimed at strengthening regulation and accelerating reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the appointments reflect the administration’s commitment to stabilising the electricity market and aligning regulation with the Electricity Act, 2023. The Act expands the role of state governments, promotes competition and opens the door for sub-national electricity markets.

Dr Mulisiu Olalekan Oseni has been appointed Chairman of the Commission, with effect from December 1, 2025. Oseni, who joined NERC in 2017 and previously served as Vice Chairman, brings continuity to the Commission at a time of major structural and legal transition. His tenure will run until the completion of his cumulative 10-year term as stipulated by law.

Dr Yusuf Ali, first appointed as a commissioner in February 2022, has been elevated to Vice Chairman, also effective December 1, 2025. In this role, he will oversee critical functions including licensing, tariff approvals and compliance, which are central to stabilising the electricity value chain.

Two commissioners, Nathan Rogers Shatti and Dafe Akpeneye, have been reappointed for second terms after their initial appointments in January 2017. Both have played key roles in tariff reforms, regulatory enforcement and efforts to improve metering and market settlements. Aisha Mahmud Kanti Bello, first appointed in December 2020, also begins a second term, while Dr Chidi Ike, appointed in February 2022, continues his first term, strengthening NERC’s capacity in market operations, consumer protection and distribution oversight.

The only new entrant to the board is Dr Fouad Animashaun, who begins his first term in December 2025. An energy economist with extensive experience in sub-national electricity regulation, Animashaun recently served as Executive Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission. His appointment aligns with the Electricity Act’s vision of devolved power markets and state-led electricity regulation.

Onanuga said President Tinubu expects the reconstituted board to consolidate ongoing reforms, enforce discipline among market operators, protect consumer rights and attract investments capable of boosting electricity supply beyond current levels.

The President also charged the board to strictly uphold the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2023, particularly those aimed at expanding generation through private investment, strengthening cost-reflective pricing without exploiting consumers, supporting states seeking regulatory autonomy, ensuring technical compliance by distribution and generation companies, and curbing energy theft and market shortfalls.

The reconstitution comes at a critical period for the power sector, as the national grid continues to grapple with low generation, liquidity challenges and mounting debts within the distribution segment. Analysts have long maintained that strong regulatory consistency, effective sanctions and renewed investor confidence are essential to achieving a stable and sustainable electricity supply.