In a significant move to bolster the nation's electricity sector, President Bola Tinubu has unveiled nine fresh appointments to the board of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA). This announcement, made on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, marks a strategic step in the administration's efforts to enhance regulatory oversight and operational efficiency within the power industry.
Details of the New Appointments
The appointments were officially communicated through a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. The list includes Engr. Adesayo Olusegun Michael, who has been designated as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEMSA. This role is pivotal for driving the agency's mandate of ensuring safety and quality in Nigeria's electricity supply chain.
Complete List of Board Members
Alongside the MD/CEO, eight other board members have been appointed, representing various geopolitical zones across the country. The full roster is as follows:
- Engr. Aliyu Abdulazeez – Executive Director, Technical
- Ikechi Clara Nwosu – Chairman, South East
- Zubair Abdur’rauf Idris – Member
- Igba Elizabeth – Member, North Central
- Sani Alhaji Shehu – Member, North East
- Adeyemi Adetunji – Member, South West
- Engr Emmanuel Eneji Nkpe – Member, South South
- Engr. Charles Ogbonna Asogwa – South East
This diverse composition aims to foster inclusive governance and address regional concerns in the electricity management framework.
Public Reactions and Criticisms
Following the announcement, Nigerians have expressed a range of opinions on social media and other platforms. Some citizens have raised questions about the structure and legality of the appointments, highlighting potential discrepancies in the board's configuration.
Notable Comments from Citizens
Inyali Peter pointed out a perceived flaw in the announcement, stating, "Sir, kindly look at this release again. It seems there’s something fundamentally wrong with this release. The 'Board' is led by a Chairman, not the MD/CEO. And in the NEMSA Act, there’s nothing like the Chairman of any geopolitical zone, as it’s here for one of the appointees. What this release has done is to confuse Management with the Board. NEMSA has an MD, with I think four or three Executive Directors for Management, a Chairman and members of the Board." This critique underscores concerns about adherence to statutory provisions and clarity in governance roles.
Sabastine voiced a demand for greater accountability, remarking, "Another round of appointments announced with fanfare, but Nigerians are still waiting to see competence, transparency, and measurable impact reflected in governance." This sentiment reflects broader public expectations for tangible results from government actions.
Sammy Daniels shifted focus to other national priorities, asking, "When will Mr President @officialABAT, prepare and conduct a national census? I'm curious because census data will be crucial ahead of the 2027 general elections." This comment highlights the interconnected nature of governance issues and the need for comprehensive planning.
Oma Ann offered a more cynical perspective, noting, "So many appointments today to please some people. Tinubu's strategy." This suggests a view that the appointments may be politically motivated rather than solely based on merit.
Implications for Nigeria's Electricity Sector
The new appointments are expected to influence NEMSA's operations, potentially leading to improved regulatory standards and enhanced service delivery in the electricity sector. As Nigeria continues to grapple with power challenges, the effectiveness of this board will be closely monitored by stakeholders and the public alike.
This development comes at a critical time when the government is seeking to revitalize key infrastructure sectors. The mixed reactions from citizens indicate a keen interest in governance processes and a desire for transparency and efficiency in public appointments.
