President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Musiliu Oseni as the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), following the Senate’s confirmation of the commission’s board members. This appointment comes after Tinubu initially nominated Abdullahi Ramat for the position in August, but the Senate refused to confirm him due to several petitions against him.
Ramat, a 39-year-old former Chairman of the Ungogo Local Government Area in Kano State, had sparked controversy by assuming office without waiting for Senate confirmation. He was escorted by security officers and political associates to the NERC headquarters in Abuja, where he was received by Oseni at a handover ceremony. However, Ramat later left the scene following public criticism.
The Senate Committee on Power cited several complaints against Ramat, leading to the suspension of his screening and confirmation. Despite protests from his supporters, including allegations that the Senate was bribed to stop his confirmation, the nomination was ultimately dropped.
Oseni, who has been serving as the acting chairman since the former chairman left office in August, will serve as chairman effective December 1, 2025, until the completion of his 10-year tenure. The President also appointed Dr. Yusuf Ali as vice chairman, while other members of the reconstituted NERC Board include Mr. Nathan Shatti, Mr. Dafe Akpeneye, Aisha Mahmud, Dr. Chidi Ike, and Dr. Fouad Animashaun.
The new board members bring a range of experience to the commission, with Dr. Animashaun, an energy economist, having previously served as Executive Commissioner and CEO of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission. President Tinubu has charged the reconstituted board to deepen and consolidate the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s power sector, in line with the Electricity Act, 2023.
The appointment of the new NERC board members is expected to bring stability and continuity to the power sector, which has been plagued by challenges in recent years. With the new board in place, the sector is likely to see significant reforms and improvements, aimed at addressing the country’s energy needs and promoting economic growth. The President’s emphasis on strict alignment with the Electricity Act, 2023, suggests a commitment to transparency and accountability in the sector.