…Oseni joined NERC as a commissioner in January 2017.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr Mulisiu Oseni as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) following the Senate’s confirmation of the commission’s board members.
Oseni’s appointment effectively replaces Abdullahi Ramat, whose name was earlier forwarded to the Senate by the President for confirmation in August.
Ramat, a former chairman of Ungogo Local Government Area in Kano State, was nominated for the NERC chairmanship on August 7, as announced by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, after the exit of the immediate past chairman, Sanusi Garba.
Despite not being confirmed by the National Assembly, the 39-year-old Ramat reportedly arrived at NERC’s Abuja headquarters on August 8 to assume office, accompanied by political allies and security personnel, including an individual dressed in military uniform, a move that sparked concern among industry stakeholders. He was received by Oseni during a handover ceremony but later vacated the premises amid widespread criticism.
Ramat subsequently awaited Senate confirmation, but the Senate Committee on Power declined to clear him, citing multiple petitions against his nomination. Allegations later emerged from some of his supporters claiming that the Senate was offered $10 million to halt his confirmation, a claim strongly dismissed by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu. Adaramodu explained that the screening was suspended due to numerous public and private complaints.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Onanuga formally announced Oseni’s appointment. Oseni, who previously served as vice chairman of the commission, became acting chairman after Garba left office in August.
The statement said Oseni’s appointment took effect from December 1, 2025, and will last until the completion of his 10-year tenure in line with the Electricity Act, 2023. Oseni joined NERC as a commissioner in January 2017.
The President also approved the appointment of Dr Yusuf Ali as vice chairman of the commission. Ali, who was appointed commissioner in February 2022, assumed his new role on December 1, 2025, and will serve until the end of his first term.
Other members of the reconstituted NERC board include Mr Nathan Shatti and Mr Dafe Akpeneye, both serving second terms after their initial appointments in January 2017, as well as Aisha Mahmud, who is also on a second term following her first appointment in December 2020.
Dr Chidi Ike, appointed in February 2022, continues his first term, while Dr Fouad Animashaun joins the commission for his first term beginning December 2025. Animashaun is an energy economist with extensive experience in the power sector and most recently served as Executive Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
President Tinubu charged the newly constituted board to deepen and consolidate ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s power sector in strict accordance with the Electricity Act, 2023.
