Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval for New NERC Commissioners

President Bola Tinubu has requested the senate’s confirmation of two nominees for appointment as commissioners of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The request was conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary.

Tinubu explained that the nominations were made pursuant to Section 35 (1) and (3) of the Electricity Act 2023, which empowers the president to appoint NERC commissioners subject to legislative approval. He added that the appointments are aimed at strengthening the commission as it continues to drive reforms in the electricity market.

“In accordance with the provisions of Section 35 subsections 1 and 3 of the Electricity Act 2023, I am pleased to present for confirmation by the senate the appointment of the following two persons as commissioners in the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission,” the letter stated.

The nominees are Aisha Mahmoud Kanti-Bello, who is being reappointed, and Fouad Animashaun, a fresh nominee. Their names replace an earlier list transmitted to the senate on August 6, 2025.

The senate is expected to screen the nominees in the coming days.

If confirmed, they will join the commission at a critical moment, as NERC rolls out major reforms under the new electricity law — including expanded regulatory oversight, licensing functions, and the transition toward state-level electricity markets.