President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Board of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), appointing Dr Musiliu Olalekan Oseni as chairman, in a renewed push to stabilise Nigeria’s power sector.
The appointments followed Senate confirmation of the board members on December 16, according to a statement from the State House.
Veteran Regulator Takes the Helm
Oseni has served at NERC since January 2017. He was first appointed as a commissioner and later became vice chairman of the commission.
His appointment as chairman took effect on December 1, 2025. It will run until the completion of his ten-year tenure, as provided under the Electricity Act, 2023.
Industry observers say Oseni’s long regulatory experience could bring policy stability at a time when the sector needs firm oversight.
Power Sector Under Pressure
Nigeria’s electricity sector has struggled for decades with low supply, aging infrastructure, and weak service delivery.
Although the country has an installed generation capacity of more than 13,000 megawatts, it often supplies less than 5,000 megawatts to homes and businesses, according to official data.
Energy analysts say effective regulation remains critical to closing the gap between capacity and actual power delivered.
“Strong and predictable regulation is central to power sector reform,” said an Abuja-based energy analyst. “Without it, investment and service quality will remain weak.”
Vice Chairman and Commissioners Named
President Tinubu also approved the appointment of Dr Yusuf Ali as vice chairman of the commission.
Ali was first appointed as a commissioner in February 2022. His designation as vice chairman took effect on December 1, 2025, and will last until the completion of his first term.
Other members of the reconstituted board include Nathan Rogers Shatti and Dafe Akpeneye, both serving second terms after their initial appointments in January 2017.
Aisha Mahmud Kanti Bello, first appointed in December 2020, is also serving a second term.
Dr Chidi Ike, appointed in February 2022, continues as a commissioner in his first term.
New Expertise Joins the Board
Dr Fouad Animashaun joins the board as a commissioner for his first term, effective December 2025.
Animashaun is an energy economist with extensive experience in Nigeria’s power sector.
He recently served as executive commissioner and chief executive officer of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
His appointment adds sub-national regulatory experience to the federal commission, as states take on bigger roles under new electricity laws.
Mandate Under the Electricity Act
President Tinubu has charged the reconstituted board to deepen and consolidate reforms in Nigeria’s power sector.
He urged members to act in strict alignment with the letter and spirit of the Electricity Act, 2023.
The law decentralised power regulation, allowing states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity independently. Supporters say the reforms could attract investment and improve supply if enforced consistently.
Balancing Reform and Consumer Protection
Consumer groups have warned that power sector reforms must protect households and small businesses from rising energy costs.
They say affordability, service quality, and transparency should remain central to NERC’s regulatory role as market changes continue.
The presidency said the new board reflects continuity, experience, and fresh expertise to guide Nigeria’s electricity transition. The announcement was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
What This Means for Nigerians
For most Nigerians, the changes at NERC could shape how much electricity they get and what they pay for it.
The commission regulates power tariffs, service standards, and how electricity companies operate. Its decisions affect households, small businesses, and large industries across the country.
With a new board in place, Nigerians will be watching to see whether reforms under the Electricity Act, 2023 lead to more reliable power, fair pricing, and better consumer protection, especially as states take on bigger roles in electricity supply.
