Tinubu seeks Senate confirmation for new NERC commissioners

President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm two nominees for appointment as commissioners of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

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

Tinubu, in the correspondence, wrote: “Distinguished Senate President, Request for Confirmation of Appointment of Commissioners for Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

“In accordance to the provisions of section 35 subsection 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.”

He named the nominees as “Aisha Mahmoud Kanti-Bello (commissioner), reappointment” and “Fouad Animashaun (commissioner), new appointment.”

The president further noted that “This appointment supercedes my earlier submission via a letter dated 6th August 2025.”

Tinubu appealed for prompt consideration, adding, “While it is my hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominees in expeditious manner, please accept, distinguished Senate President, distinguished senators, the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards.”

Earlier on Tuesday, November 11, the National Assembly complex witnessed a peaceful protest by residents of Kano State demanding the immediate confirmation of Abdullahi Garba Ramat as NERC Chairman.

The protesters, who arrived in Kano Line-branded and coastal buses, displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Tinubu’s nomination should be respected” and “Akpabio and Barau must stop undermining President Tinubu.”

They accused the Senate of unnecessarily delaying Ramat’s confirmation weeks after the president nominated him for the top regulatory role.

President Tinubu had on October 7, 2025, forwarded Ramat’s name for confirmation.

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The letter, also read by Akpabio, has yet to progress through the usual legislative process.

Responding to rising public criticism, Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South) explained in a statement that the delay was due to several petitions lodged against the nominee. He refuted allegations of bribery involving Senate leaders, saying:

“The Senate is statutorily bound to pause consideration of any nominee facing serious public petitions or controversies. Many nominees in the past have been stepped down for similar reasons. Ramat’s case is no exception.”

The new list forwarded by the president implies that Ramat’s name has been replaced.

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