Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has approved a second term for Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (NHYPPADEC), extending his leadership of the agency until 2027. The renewal, which aligns with legal provisions and marks Yelwa’s final tenure in the role, emphasizes continuity in addressing energy infrastructure and community development in Nigeria’s hydroelectric regions.
The decision, announced by Segun Imohiosen, spokesperson for the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, cites Section 93 of Nigeria’s Electricity Act 2023 as the statutory basis for the reappointment. Imohiosen’s statement highlighted Tinubu’s directive for Yelwa to leverage past accomplishments while adopting “greater innovation and commitment” in advancing NHYPPADEC’s objectives. Established to mitigate environmental and socioeconomic challenges in areas hosting hydroelectric dams, the commission oversees projects related to flood control, ecological sustainability, and infrastructure development in states such as Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara.
President Tinubu’s endorsement of Yelwa underscores confidence in the commission’s trajectory under his leadership. Since assuming the role in 2020, Yelwa has prioritized initiatives to improve living conditions for communities affected by hydroelectric operations, including water management programs and rural electrification efforts. His reappointment signals a push to consolidate these gains amid Nigeria’s broader energy reforms, which aim to stabilize power supply and expand access to electricity nationwide.
The four-year extension comes as the federal government intensifies efforts to optimize hydroelectric resources, which account for approximately 20% of Nigeria’s power generation. Analysts view NHYPPADEC’s mandate as critical to balancing energy production with community welfare, particularly in regions grappling with recurrent flooding and displacement linked to dam operations. Yelwa’s reappointment also reflects adherence to tenure limits outlined in recent legislation, ensuring leadership stability without exceeding statutory terms.
While specific plans for Yelwa’s renewed term remain undisclosed, observers anticipate heightened focus on public-private partnerships and technology-driven solutions to enhance the commission’s impact. The move aligns with Tinubu’s administration’s emphasis on institutional accountability and results-oriented governance across Nigeria’s energy sector. As climate-related challenges and energy demands grow, NHYPPADEC’s role in fostering sustainable development in hydro-producing areas is expected to remain a priority for federal policymakers.
