Tinubu Urged To Act On Expired Tenures, Leadership Vacuum In Power Reforms

A concerned citizen, Marvelous Osamudiamhe, has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently address what he described as a looming leadership crisis in Nigeria’s electricity sector, warning that delays could undermine ongoing reforms and investor confidence.

According to him, the sector is edging towards an avoidable governance vacuum, as the tenures of both the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) are set to expire in less than two weeks.

He noted that the Electricity Act 2023 does not provide for an Acting Chairman when both offices are vacant, raising concerns that the Commission could soon operate without lawful leadership.

He explained that for a sector already struggling with liquidity challenges, metering deficits, and operational inefficiencies, a leadership void at the regulatory level could stall critical decisions, slow down reforms, and further weaken investor confidence.

According to Osamudiamhe, Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat, President Tinubu’s nominee for NERC Chairman, has completed the required screening process and only awaits presidential confirmation.

He also warned that any delay in confirming him or appointing a replacement could plunge the Commission into uncertainty at a pivotal moment.

He added that Ramat’s recent appearance on TVC had won support across the industry, as he outlined plans to enhance market operations, regulatory frameworks, digital transformation, and consumer protection. Osamudiamhe said many who initially doubted Ramat’s competence now consider him adequately prepared and forward-thinking.

Osamudiamhe also expressed concern over the influence of political actors reportedly pressuring the Presidency to postpone or reverse appointments, stressing that such interference could project an image of inconsistency in federal appointments at a time when the sector requires stability.

According to him, another serious issue is the continued stay of several NERC commissioners whose tenures have already expired, some by almost a year, which he said clearly violates the Electricity Act 2023. He noted that the law specifies five years for the Chairman and four years for commissioners.

He warned that allowing commissioners to remain beyond their legal tenure is improper and unlawful, adding that civil society groups are reportedly preparing to challenge the issue in court.

According to him, investors are increasingly uneasy about a regulator that does not adhere to its own laws.

Osamudiamhe stressed that to stabilise the sector and prevent an avoidable breakdown, President Tinubu should act urgently by confirming Engr. Abdullahi Ramat without further delay, directing all commissioners who have exceeded their tenure to vacate office immediately, and reaffirming the government’s commitment to law, order and institutional credibility.