Abuja, FCT – In a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria's electricity regulatory framework, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Board of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The announcement follows the Senate's confirmation of the nominees on December 16, marking a key step in the administration's efforts to transform the nation's beleaguered power sector.

The reconstituted board features a mix of experienced incumbents and a new appointee, reflecting a blend of continuity and fresh expertise. Leading the board is Dr. Mulisiu Olalekan Oseni, who has been elevated to Chairman.

Dr. Oseni, who began his tenure as a Commissioner in January 2017 and later served as Vice Chairman, assumed his new role effective December 1, 2025. His appointment aligns with the Electricity Act, 2023, and will extend until the end of his 10-year term.

Dr. Yusuf Ali has been designated as Vice Chairman. Appointed as a Commissioner in February 2022, his promotion also took effect on December 1, 2025, and will continue through the remainder of his initial term.

The full board includes:

Mr. Nathan Rogers Shatti – Commissioner (second term; first appointed January 2017)

Mr. Dafe Akpeneye – Commissioner (second term; first appointed January 2017)

Aisha Mahmud Kanti Bello – Commissioner (second term; first appointed December 2020)

Dr. Chidi Ike – Commissioner (first term; appointed February 2022)

Dr. Fouad Animashaun – Commissioner (new appointee; effective December 2025)

Dr. Animashaun, an energy economist with deep roots in Nigeria's power industry, brings notable experience from his recent role as Executive Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu urged the board to "deepen and consolidate the ongoing transformation of Nigeria's power sector, in strict alignment with the letter and spirit of the Electricity Act, 2023."

This directive underscores the administration's priority on improving electricity generation, distribution, and reliability, which have long plagued the country with chronic outages and inefficiencies.

Established under the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005 and further empowered by the 2023 Electricity Act, NERC serves as the independent regulator for Nigeria's electricity industry.

It oversees tariffs, licenses, and standards for power generation, transmission, and distribution companies. The sector has seen incremental reforms under Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, including efforts to attract private investment and reduce reliance on subsidies.

However, challenges such as aging infrastructure, vandalism, and funding gaps persist, with average daily power supply hovering around 4,000-5,000 megawatts for a population exceeding 200 million.

This reconstitution comes amid broader shake-ups in Nigeria's energy regulatory landscape.

Energy experts anticipate that the board's composition will prioritize regulatory enforcement and market liberalization, potentially leading to tariff adjustments and increased private sector involvement.

Analysts suggest this could signal a renewed push for power sector privatization, aligning with international partnerships like those with Siemens for grid modernization.

However, success will depend on addressing systemic issues, including gas supply constraints for power plants and debt recovery from distribution companies.

The administration has not yet indicated further changes, but sources close to the presidency emphasize that these appointments are part of a holistic strategy to achieve energy security by 2030.

As Nigeria grapples with economic pressures, including inflation and fuel costs, stable electricity remains a cornerstone for industrial growth and household relief.