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You’ve called Lagos home for more than a decade. What drives your passion for this city and its people?

Lagos is a city that lives, breathes, and dreams on a global scale. I came here over ten years ago, and from the moment I arrived, I felt its rhythm, bold, powerful, alive. Over the years, I’ve been honoured with several chieftaincy titles, but beyond the recognition, I believe I was sent here by God for a purpose: to help build bridges between China and Africa, and to contribute to a Lagos that reflects its destiny as a world-class megacity. Lagos has taught me that progress is not just about infrastructure but about people, their energy, resilience, and creativity. That’s what fuels my passion for this city every single day.

You’ve worked closely with the Lagos State Government and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. What has that collaboration been like?

His Excellency Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is a visionary. He sees transport not just as logistics, but as an enabler of dignity, order, and opportunity. Under his leadership, Lagos has prioritised innovation, and Lagride stands as a symbol of that forward-thinking vision. Our partnership with the Lagos State Government is built on mutual respect and shared purpose: to deliver a mobility system that works for every Lagosian. We have worked hand in hand with agencies, regulators, and private partners to ensure that what we build here can be a national model for other states to follow.

‘Beyond that, we plan to introduce more opportunities to connect investors, government agencies, and diaspora Nigerians who want to be part of this transformation.’

What inspired the creation and rapid expansion of Lagride?

We wanted to redefine what safe, smart, and sustainable transportation could look like in Africa. Lagride was built to combine technology, governance, and opportunity in one system. Today, riders can choose between electric vehicles, premium Lagride Pro cars, or verified 2022-and-above Legacy cars driven by owner-drivers. We also introduced the Lagride Partner Programme, which allows individuals to own cars through zero-collateral payment plans over 18 or 24 months. It’s a model that creates wealth, not just work.

Why are you so passionate about making Lagos’ transport system world-class – on par with Dubai and China?

I’ve seen what is possible. In Dubai, transport is the heartbeat of tourism, commerce, and lifestyle. In China, mobility connects industries, people, and innovation. Lagos deserves that same excellence because it is Africa’s commercial nerve centre. I believe that with continued partnership between the government, private investors, and citizens, Lagos can lead Africa’s mobility revolution. We already have the structure, the technology, and the human capital. What we need is belief and consistency. Lagride is proof that world-class systems can thrive in Africa.

How has China’s integration with Africa shaped your mission and work?

China and Africa are natural partners in growth. The collaboration is not just about trade, it’s about shared futures. Through platforms like the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, we’re seeing more structured cooperation in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and transport. As Vice Chair of the China-Africa Business Council, I’ve witnessed how trust, consistency, and shared value can transform both sides. I see Lagride as one of those bridges, a project that represents the best of both worlds: Chinese efficiency and African ingenuity.

How does the Lagride Partner Programme actually work?

It’s very simple. A partner makes a ?5-?10 million down payment on a brand-new ?28 million vehicle, either an EV or a petrol-powered model. No collateral is required. Lagride manages the procurement, maintenance, and tracking, while drivers are trained through the Lagride Academy. Depending on the vehicle type and usage, partners can earn ?1-?2 million monthly after costs. At the end of the 18- or 24-month repayment period, the car becomes fully theirs. It’s a sustainable, transparent, and data-driven investment opportunity.

Can you tell us more about the Academy?

The Lagride Academy is one of our proudest achievements. Every driver is trained in security, hospitality, and professional service. We work with the Nigerian Police, FRSC, LASTMA, and hospitality experts to produce captains who can work anywhere in the world.

Our goal is to raise the bar of service in transport. Over 7,000 captains have been trained so far, and we’re onboarding 10,000 more before the year ends.

Some drivers and partners often ask about daily remittance. How does Lagride ensure it’s fair?

We rely on transparency, technology, and data. Lagride’s model is designed to help drivers meet realistic daily goals, supported by consistent marketing and route insights.

Our research shows that in the last quarter of every year, the Ember months, transport volume in Lagos rises by about 45 percent. We help our drivers take advantage of that, increasing their income while maintaining standards. It’s about partnership, not pressure.

What’s next for Lagride and the CIG Group?

We are preparing to launch the Lagride Omni, a mini-bus category for families, offices, and commuters. We’re also expanding into other states with an E-Taxi for Government model powered by CIG technology, financing, and operational expertise.

Beyond that, we plan to introduce more opportunities to connect investors, government agencies, and diaspora Nigerians who want to be part of this transformation.

CIG is more than automobiles. We are in energy, logistics, and sustainable infrastructure. Lagride is a very important part of our ecosystem, but our goal is bigger: to make mobility the foundation of modern Africa.

What continues to inspire you as a business leader?

It’s always the people. Every time I see a Lagosian step into a clean, safe car, every time a driver tells me their life has changed; every time a partner calls to say their investment is paying off, that’s my reward.

I believe God placed me here to build something that uplifts others. That’s what success means to me. Lagride – Safer. Smarter. Lagos Pride.

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has lifted the suspension on the trading of International Energy Insurance (IEI) Plc shares.

The suspension arose in connection with regulatory compliance relating to the finalisation of the 2024 audited accounts, which has now been concluded and released to the public.

International Energy Insurance has also successfully exited the legacy Daewoo loan and ‘is now firmly repositioned for growth’, according to the company in its recent notice.

‘This development signifies the restoration of normal trading activities for IEI shares and reaffirms our commitment to transparency, compliance, and corporate governance.

‘The lifting of the suspension marks a new chapter in our journey of recovery and growth. The road ahead includes our strategic recapitalisation plans, aimed at strengthening our financial base and enhancing our capacity to serve customers effectively.

‘We remain fully committed to repositioning IEI as a strong, responsible, and customer-focused insurance company.

‘With this step, we are focused on rebuilding investor confidence and delivering long-term value for all stakeholders,’ the company further said while appreciating the support of its regulators, shareholders, customers, and partners as it continues to strengthen its operations and drive sustainable growth.

Chizoba Atsu, a visionary entrepreneur and thought leader who has redefined Nigeria’s hospitality and events industry for nearly two decades has looked at brand building journey and said that creativity must meet consistency for a lasting impact.

Chizoba who is the pioneering Founder and Managing Director of Elle’s Icebox described creativity as sparkle that catches the eye but said creativity without consistency is like firework that dazzles and disappears.

‘In the world of events, creativity often gets all the glory. ‘It is the sparkle that catches the eye, the idea that makes people gasp, the Instagrammable moment that has everyone reaching for their phones, but here’s the truth no one tells you loudly enough: creativity without consistency is a one-hit wonder, a firework that dazzles for a second and disappears into the night sky’.

The entrepreneur under whose tenure, Elle’s Icebox has executed over 10,000 high-profile events with creativity, precision said that cconsistency is the quiet motor that powers every lasting brand.

‘It is what keeps customers coming back, what converts appreciation into trust, and what turns a memory into a legacy’, Chizoba, the author of Nigeria’s first cocktail recipe book, said.

She further explained that creativity may get folks into the room, but consistency guarantees they remember who brought them there.

‘When I founded Elle’s Icebox, imagination gave us wings. We experimented with flavours, presentation, and ventured to tell new stories using cocktails. However, if each incident had been a hit-or-miss experiment, our wings would have swiftly burnt out.

‘What propelled us forward wasn’t simply innovation; it was consistently delivering the same level of attention to detail, excellence, and commitment to offering an experience rather than just drinks’, Chizoba, whose influence extends beyond business into mentorship and capacity building said in a statement made available to BusinessDay.

The entrepreneur whose leadership covers workshops, and hands-on training sessions, empowering countless aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their ambitions said she has seen far too many innovative brands fail because they believed the ‘wow factor’ would be enough to keep them going.

‘The wow will get acclaim, but it will not establish trust. Trust develops when individuals know what to expect and are never disappointed’.

In her message to creatives, Chizoba, a speaker and mentor advised creatives to be consistent in their creative pursuits. ‘Create systems to support your artistry. Deliver with perfection even when no one is applauding. Make your brilliance reliable. Because when you combine originality with consistency, you don’t simply create moments; you generate movements’.

With global exposure and continuous learning at the heart of her success, Chizoba, the statement said has trained with leading educators in Las Vegas and London and explored cocktail cultures in more than 15 countries. ‘These experiences enrich her craft, allowing her to blend international best practices with local innovation in every creation. Her professional expertise also includes serving as a Diageo trainer, where she developed and mentored bartenders to master both technical precision and the art of storytelling through cocktails.

As a respected speaker and mentor, Chizoba maintains an influential brand presence on social media, where she shares authentic, uplifting messages that resonate with industry peers and emerging business leaders. She continues to inspire and shape the future of hospitality through her unique combination of entrepreneurial grit, creative vision, and community spirit.

Today, the statement said that Chizoba Atsu stands not only as an accomplished business leader but also as a catalyst for change. Whether curating bespoke menus, training the next generation of hospitality professionals, or leading her team at Elle’s Icebox, her mission remains constant: to connect people and create unforgettable experiences through the shared language of cocktails.

Buba Marwa, Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, on Monday, charged stakeholders in the ongoing development of the next National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2026-2030) to incorporate strategies to address new and emerging threats to the elimination illicit drug trade in Nigeria.

Marwa gave the admonition in Niger State at the opening of a five-day workshop to develop the fifth National Drug Control Master Plan for the Country.

Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, in a statement, stated that the Residential Retreat funded by the ECOWAS Commission with the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Marwa noted that ‘the task before us over the next few days is both strategic and historic,’ adding that ‘ drug problem continues to evolve, and so must our response’.

Drug trafficking in Nigeria has continued unabated despite the stiff measures put in place by the Federal Government.

As part of the measures, the NDLEA has embarked on high level sensitisation and public enlightenment, targeting schools at the primary levels.

According to him ‘The NDCMP 2026-2030 must be visionary yet practical; comprehensive yet targeted; and nationally owned yet regionally and globally aligned.

‘It must build on the achievements of the past, while boldly addressing new and emerging threats, from synthetic drugs to dark-web trafficking, from poly-substance use to the illicit financial flows that sustain the drug trade.’

He reminded all the stakeholders that the workshop offers the rare opportunity to deliberate, analyse and agree on strategic priorities that will shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s response for the next five years.

‘It is here that we will identify what has worked, acknowledge the gaps, and design innovative pathways for the future’, he added.

He urged all participants to bring to bear their expertise, experience and commitment, adding that the workshop is not just about producing another document but about charting a collective vision to safeguard the health, security and wellbeing of Nigerians.

He reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to provide leadership, coordination and technical support to ensure that the new Master Plan is not only developed but also effectively implemented.

‘I also pledge that we will continue to strengthen collaboration with our partners, both within Nigeria and across the ECOWAS sub-region, for we know that the drug challenge recognises no borders’, He added.

He commended the ECOWAS Commission ‘for sponsoring this workshop, and all our partners – the European Union, UNODC, civil society organisations, professional bodies and the private sector – for their continued collaboration.

‘Together, we are shaping a future where Nigeria and West Africa will be safer, healthier and more secure.’

Speaking at the workshop,Cheikh Ousmane, the UNODC Country Representative, who was represented by Akanidomo Ibanga, commended Nigeria’s drug control efforts so far.

‘Yet, we are all aware that the drug situation continues to evolve. Global and regional dynamics – whether related to new psychoactive substances, organised crime networks, or the impact of conflict and economic pressures – all shape local realities. Our response must therefore be adaptive, coordinated, and inclusive.

The Master Plan is the instrument through which this can happen.

‘This workshop offers a unique opportunity to review the draft chapters, harmonise perspectives, and ensure that the priorities identified reflect both national realities and international standards, including those enshrined in the three international drug control conventions, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control’, he stated.

While commending the leadership of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Health, as well as all members of the inter-agency working groups, for the dedication and expertise they bring to the process, he said that their work will serve as a compass for coordinated action over the coming years.

Also speaking during the opening ceremony of the workshop, ECOWAS Commission Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Fatou Sow Sarr represented by Daniel Amankwaah noted that Nigeria, as a key stakeholder in regional drug control efforts, has taken proactive steps to develop national strategies aligned with international best practices.

‘The Nigeria’s current National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) will expire this year and a new plan needs to be developed to address the emerging drug threats, trafficking patterns, and the increasing burden of substance use disorders. The new NDCMP will effectively respond to current and future drug-related challenges.

‘The ECOWAS Commission, in line with its mandate to support Member States in addressing drug-related issues, is providing technical and financial assistance to Nigeria in the elaboration of the new NDCMP. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the ECOWAS Drug Prevention and Control Programme and the broader regional efforts to strengthen drug demand and supply reduction mechanisms.

‘This support is a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s drug control framework and aligning it with regional and international best practices.’

He assured that ECOWAS Commission remains committed to supporting Nigeria in this effort, ensuring that the new National Drug Control Master Plan is robust, evidence-based, and effectively addresses the country’s drug-related challenges’, the ECOWAS Commission chief assured.

Other stakeholders who spoke at the ceremony included representatives of the Federal Ministries of Education, Health, Agriculture, Budget and Planning as well as NACA, NAFDAC, EFCC, and NFIU.

You are one of very few professionals in your field. What opportunities are there for young Nigerians who may want to build a career in that space?

I’ve spent almost 20 years building secure cloud and AI platforms in the UK and US. The same opportunities exist here if young Nigerians focus on the right skills-data and ML engineering, platform engineering, and applied AI for local challenges like payments, agriculture, and energy. My advice: don’t just chase certificates-learn Python, Linux, Git, Cloud, Kubernetes, Terraform, and actually ship projects. Employers value results, not buzzwords.

How does a tech professional like yourself stay updated with new technologies and tools?

I treat learning as part of the job. Every quarter I focus on one new tool, one upgrade, and one security theme. I track release notes, follow expert communities, and most importantly, I test things hands-on. Breaking and fixing a system teaches me more than any article.

Do you think Nigeria is developing enough tech talents to challenge the rest of the world?

The talent is here. What’s missing is the conversion into industry-ready professionals. We need proper apprenticeships, shared computing resources, and better links to global opportunities. If we fix those gaps, Nigeria can compete-and even lead-in digital capabilities.

Why do you think Africa lags behind in tech growth?

It’s not talent-it’s environment. We deal with high infrastructure costs, patchy power, and inconsistent policies. Procurement often rewards talk over delivery. To catch up, we need stable policies, shared infrastructure, and contracts that pay for uptime and reliability, not just proposals.

You once mentioned that Nigeria can build digital services other countries will pay to use. What are some of these services?

Services around payments, identity, and fraud detection are clear opportunities. Agriculture and energy solutions also have export potential-think climate intelligence APIs, or fintech tools for prepaid power. And we shouldn’t forget African language AI models, which can power contact centres and digital services across the continent.

What challenges may hinder the country from achieving this?

The big ones are unreliable power, expensive infrastructure, inconsistent regulation, and cybersecurity gaps. We also have to avoid vendor lock-in. The solution is to build on open standards, strengthen security, and commit to maintaining systems-not just launching pilots.

Do you feel governments in Nigeria are adopting technology fast enough?

There are good examples, but overall, it’s too slow. The government needs dedicated delivery teams-engineers, product managers, security experts-who can move fast. Shared digital services like ID, payments, and notifications should be built once and reused everywhere.

Quantum computing is touted as a gamechanger. Will quantum have a similar or higher impact as GenAI in the coming years?

In the near term, GenAI will have the bigger impact-it’s already reshaping industries. Quantum will be transformative, but in specialised areas and over a longer horizon. For now, the real preparation is in post-quantum cryptography, making sure our systems are secure for that future.

What tech trends from other climes should Nigeria adopt to accelerate economic growth?

We should adopt digital public infrastructure-digital ID, instant payments, secure data exchange. Shared compute resources for startups and universities are also key. Add zero-trust security, open data for innovation, and FinOps to tie cloud spend to value, and we’ll see real acceleration.

What are the latest cybersecurity issues organisations need to be mindful of?

Supply-chain risks, MFA fatigue attacks, ransomware targeting backups, and API abuse are top threats today. With GenAI, we’re also seeing risks like prompt injection and data leakage. The fix is zero-trust security, signed software, posture management, and security built into every pipeline.

Beyond land registries, what blockchain use cases should governments pursue?

Company registries, public procurement, verifiable education certificates, healthcare claims, and trade documentation are strong use cases. The key is to start small, prove value, and scale gradually.

If Nigeria set up a National Compute Commons, what would it look like?

It would be shared GPU clusters and storage, managed with Kubernetes, open to startups and researchers. Access would be credit-based, with governance built in. It would host agriculture, health, and climate datasets, lowering barriers for innovation.

If you were asked to lead a Federal AI/Cloud Taskforce, what 12-month playbook would you execute?

In year one, I’d secure the cloud foundation, deliver a national MLOps platform, launch a Compute Commons pilot, and scale digital services like ID and payments. By the end of the year, we’d have working AI services for fraud detection, citizen engagement, and revenue protection-plus a new procurement model that pays for outcomes, not hours.

Any other thoughts?

Nigeria’s advantage is young talent and real problems at scale. If we build the right infrastructure, adopt open-source and cloud-native tools, and maintain consistent policies, we won’t just catch up-we’ll export solutions. That’s been the story of my career abroad, and it can be Nigeria’s story too.

Global work satisfaction has plunged to its lowest level since tracking began, according to HP Inc.’s 2025 Work Relationship Index, which warns that burnout, disconnection and waning trust in leadership are defining the modern workplace.

Only one in five knowledge workers now report a healthy relationship with work. That’s down eight percentage points from last year while business leaders themselves recorded the steepest year-on-year drop of 17 points, HP said in the report released on Sept. 30. The findings point to what the company calls a ‘crisis of connection’ across organisations.

Yet, the report also offers hope: about 85 percent of the factors that shape workplace fulfillment such as leadership behaviour, recognition, flexibility, and access to the right tools, remain within an employer’s control.

‘Work should enable people to flourish, not just fulfill a financial function,’ said Yesh Surjoodeen, managing director of HP Southern Africa.

‘Fulfillment isn’t a luxury, it’s a leadership imperative for the health and future of organisations.’

Rising pressures, shrinking trust

The study paints a picture of increasing workplace strain. Roughly 62 percent of desk-based workers said their employers’ expectations have grown, while 45 percent believe profit is being prioritized over people. Only 16 percent of employees trust senior leaders to make the right decisions for their workforce.

Just 44 percent of respondents said their jobs provide a sense of purpose, and less than four in ten feel adequately recognised for their efforts. Those who describe themselves as fulfilled, however, are three times more likely to feel connected to colleagues and achieve work-life balance, HP said.

AI emerges as a bright spot

Artificial intelligence is proving to be one of the few positives in an otherwise grim landscape. Four in ten knowledge workers now use AI daily, and employees with access to AI tools are twice as likely to report a healthy relationship with work.

Still, gaps in proficiency persist. The report finds that only 21 percent of workers describe themselves as AI-savvy, compared with 56 percent of IT decision-makers.

Companies that invest in AI access and training see measurable gains in optimism, productivity and retention, HP found.

‘The connection between fulfillment and performance has never been clearer,’ Surjoodeen said. ‘When employees feel valued and supported, they’re more connected, creative and committed – all of which fuel business growth.’

Generational shift

Gen Z and Millennials, now the majority of the global workforce, are pushing for change, demanding purpose-driven leadership and flexibility.

More than half of Gen Z employees reported having a side hustle, and 80 percent said they would sacrifice part of their salary for greater autonomy and flexibility.

These younger workers are also leading AI adoption, signaling that the future of work will be shaped by their digital fluency and insistence on values-led management.

The HP Work Relationship Index 2025 surveyed 18,200 desk-based workers across 14 countries, including the U.S., U.K., India, Germany, Brazil, and South Africa, comprising 14,000 knowledge workers, 2,800 IT decision-makers, and 1,400 business leaders.

HP’s findings suggest that while global work fulfillment is at historic lows, the solution remains largely in the hands of employers – through leadership that prizes recognition, inclusion, and innovation over short-term profit.

The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has charged property owners who have received Land Use Charge Demand Notice to pay in order to fulfil their obligation to the State.

Sule Salihu Enehe, Chairman of KGIRS, gave the charge in Lokoja, Kogi State Capital, on Monday while having a chat with Journalists on the significance of Land Use Charge and early payment of the tax, adding that the Land Use Charge introduced by the Government was aimed at eliminating the burden of multiple taxation, provision of a more streamlined and efficient system.

Enehe urged property owners that had received their Land Use Charge (LUC) Demand Notice to pay as soon as possible to enable them enjoy early payment incentives.

He said, ‘Payment within 5 days of receipt of Demand Notice attracts 15% discount while payment within 15 days of receipt of demand notice has 10% discount and payment within 25 days of receipt of Demand Notice also has 5% discount to encourage prompt payment of the LUC.

‘Payment can be made in all bank branches across the State as well as Kogi State Revenue POS Agents’, he stated.

He assured that Government would continue to use the revenue for infrastructure development, maintenance of the environment, and provision of adequate security for the State , as he re-emphasised the significance of the tax.

He said, ‘The Land Use Charge offers several benefits, including; Accurate assessment of property values for taxation purposes, Identification and registration of property in the State, Allocation of land for government projects and social amenities, Employment opportunities for enumerators from the District, and Creation of a reliable database on the property makeup of the State to inform decision-making.

‘The tax obligation section of the Land Use Charge focuses on property used for lease and commercial purposes, but there are exemptions, and they include; Property owned and occupied by religious bodies for public worship or education, Public cemeteries and burial grounds,

‘Others are non -profit educational institutions and public libraries, palaces of recognised traditional rulers, community property like town -halls used for community meetings, and Property owned and occupied by pensioners’.

Sproutly Tech Limited, a leading EdTech company providing financial and technology solutions for education, has launched two major financing programmes designed to expand access to digital tools and education financing in Nigeria.

The announcement was made at SproutFest 2025, Sproutly’s annual teachers’ seminar held in Lagos.

The event convened educators, private school owners, innovators and financial institutions under the theme, ‘Bridging the Gap: Integrating Professionalism, Technology and Welfare Systems for 21st Century Teaching Excellence.’

The newly launched initiatives include the Teachers’ Laptop Financing Programme, which aims to provide one million Nigerian teachers with access to affordable laptop financing by 2028, and the Tuition Credit Programme, developed in partnership with the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation and Ecobank Nigeria to help parents conveniently and affordably pay school fees.

Sproutly added that teachers and parents can apply for the new financing schemes through the Sproutly platform at https://sproutly.africa .

Speaking at the event, Pierre Nwoke, chief executive officer of Sproutly, said: ‘SproutFest is our way of celebrating education by turning ideas into action. With affordable laptops for teachers and tuition credit for families, Sproutly is helping Nigeria build a more empowered and future-ready education system. With over 1.9 million teachers nationwide, most of whom cannot afford digital tools outrightly, this initiative is about giving teachers the means to shape the future,’ he noted.

The programme featured discussions around education financing, teachers’ welfare, financial sustainability, school management, and technology integration in classrooms.

Prominent panelists included Azuka Ezemakam, regional manager, Corporate Governance in Schools, Ecobank; Adaobi Ekwuno, Lagos coordinator, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN); Nissi Madu, managing partner, Co-Creation Hub (Technology for Schools and Growth); alongside representatives from Sproutly, Zoho, Oak Pensions, Providus Bank, and PEPSO.

Corporate partners, including Zoho, Ecobank, Providus Bank, and Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), reaffirmed their commitment to advancing financial inclusion in education, pledging tailored solutions and credit programmes to empower schools, teachers, and parents nationwide.

The event also honoured long-serving teachers for their resilience, innovation, and lifelong dedication to nurturing the next generation.

Mahmood Yakubu has handed over the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as Acting National Chairman of the Commission.

The transition was confirmed on Tuesday during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, October 7.

The handover marks a significant change in Nigeria’s electoral leadership, as Yakubu’s two-term, 10-year tenure is set to conclude in November. He has led the Commission since his appointment in 2015.

Announcing the transition, Yakubu said: ‘I have today handed over to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will serve as Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission until a substantive replacement is appointed.’

He also urged INEC management staff and commissioners to extend their full cooperation and support to Agbamuche-Mbu as she takes charge of the Commission’s affairs.

The recent nomination of Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has sparked significant debate among energy experts and stakeholders. While many acknowledge the progress NERC has made over the past decade, there are growing concerns that this nomination could destabilise the sector and derail the hard-won gains.

NERC’s Decade of Progress and Institutional Growth

Over the last ten years, NERC has evolved into a critical institution for Nigeria’s power sector. A key achievement has been guiding the sector through significant reforms, culminating in the landmark Electricity Act of 2023. This Act empowered states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity within their boundaries, moving Nigeria away from a solely centralised model.

NERC has been instrumental in managing this transition, systematically transferring regulatory oversight to states like Ondo, Imo, Enugu, Ekiti, and Oyo that have established their own electricity markets. The commission has actively worked to share its regulatory knowledge, holding multiple engagements with state regulators to ensure a smooth and effective decentralisation process. This institutional maturity and focus on stability is now seen as being at risk.

How an Inexperienced Chairman Could Derail Progress

Experts argue that nominating a chairman with no prior background in the complex Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) threatens to undo years of progress. The primary risks include:

– Erosion of Investor Confidence: The power sector relies heavily on local and international investment. Adetayo Adegbemle of PowerUp Nigeria warns that the controversial and ‘illegal’ nature of the takeover signals that ‘NERC, the crucial referee, may now be compromised.’ This perception could freeze urgently needed investments in generation and distribution infrastructure, transforming the sector into a ‘politically toxic asset class’.

– Regulatory Instability and Legal Challenges: Any decision made by Ramat before Senate confirmation-whether on tariffs, licenses, or market rules-is vulnerable to being nullified by the courts. This creates immense uncertainty for distribution companies (DisCos) and generation companies (GenCos), potentially halting critical projects and reforms.

– Lack of Sector-Specific Expertise: Stakeholders point out that while Ramat has qualifications in engineering and management, the NERC chairmanship requires deep familiarity with the sector’s unique challenges, such as liquidity crises, tariff setting, and subsidy management. One stakeholder bluntly stated, ‘This is not the right time for NESI to have a student regulator,’ emphasising that the learning curve is too steep for the sector’s current challenges.

Expert Recommendations: A Path Forward

To avert a crisis, experts and consumer advocacy groups propose a logical solution that balances recognition of the President’s prerogative to appoint with the need for sector stability.

The consensus advice is for President Tinubu to reassign Engr. Ramat to a different government department where his skills in strategic management and digital innovation can be better utilised without jeopardising a critical sector. Subsequently, a seasoned professional with direct experience in the power sector should be appointed to lead NERC. This would help restore credibility, assure investors, and ensure that the regulatory framework remains stable and effective.

This approach would allow the new chairman’s academic promise to be applied appropriately while safeguarding the institutional progress NERC has achieved over the past decade.