President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Mulisiu Oseni as the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) following the Senate’s confirmation of the commission’s board members.
Oseni’s appointment signals the replacement of Abdullahi Ramat, whose name had earlier been forwarded to the Senate for confirmation in August. Ramat, a former chairman of Ungogo Local Government Area in Kano State, was nominated after the exit of the immediate past NERC chairman, Sanusi Garba.
Ramat, then 39, sparked controversy when he appeared at NERC’s Abuja headquarters on August 8 to assume office before receiving Senate confirmation. Accompanied by political allies and security personnel—including an individual seen in military attire—his actions raised concerns among industry stakeholders. Although he was received by Oseni during a brief handover ceremony, Ramat later withdrew amid widespread public criticism.
Subsequently, the Senate Committee on Power declined to confirm his nomination, citing numerous petitions and complaints. While some supporters alleged that lawmakers were paid $10 million to block the confirmation, the Senate dismissed the claim. Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu described the allegation as unfounded, explaining that the decision was based on a flood of public and private objections to Ramat’s nomination.
In a statement released on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Oseni’s appointment was formally announced. Oseni, who previously served as NERC vice chairman, became acting chairman in August following Garba’s departure.
According to the statement, Oseni’s tenure as chairman took effect on December 1, 2025, and will last until the completion of his 10-year term, in line with the Electricity Act, 2023. Oseni first joined the commission as a commissioner in January 2017.
President Tinubu also approved the appointment of Dr. Yusuf Ali as NERC vice chairman. Ali, who joined the commission as a 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. Aisha Mahmud is also on a second term, having first been appointed 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 in December 2025. Animashaun is described as an energy economist with extensive experience in Nigeria’s power sector and previously served as Executive Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
President Tinubu tasked the newly reconstituted board with strengthening and advancing ongoing reforms in the power sector, in full compliance with the Electricity Act, 2023.
