The administration of President Bola Tinubu has come under criticism for appointing Abubakar Yusuf as a Commissioner in the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, despite reports that he was previously deemed unfit for a lower role within the same agency.
Multiple industry sources told SaharaReporters on Thursday that Yusuf had earlier appeared before NERC’s regulatory panel for the Know-Your-Licensee (KYL) interview, a mandatory assessment for individuals seeking to head electricity distribution companies.
The interview, conducted by the NERC Chairman and Commissioners, tests candidates on technical capacity, tariff computation, consumer protection, regulatory frameworks, and power-sector strategy.
“The NERC Chairman and Commissioners found him incompetent to occupy the role, as he was unable to adequately respond to the questions posed by the regulatory panel,” one source revealed.
Despite this, the Tinubu administration reportedly elevated him to the position of Commissioner, one of the most influential regulatory roles in the power sector.
The decision has stirred anger within the sector, with experts describing it as politically driven rather than based on merit.
One source familiar with the process said the appointment raises serious questions about the administration’s priorities.
The official said, “It is deeply disheartening to observe that the current administration appears to have little interest in the growth and development of Nigeria.
“Abubakar Yusuf failed the NERC KYL interview for Managing Director of Kano Electricity Distribution Company. In a surprising turn of events, however, he has now been nominated as a Commissioner in the very organisation that deemed him unqualified — reportedly to secure political support from Kano ahead of the 2027 elections.”
The insider warned that such decisions undermine professionalism and weaken regulatory integrity.
“If this is the standard for public appointments, then Nigeria’s future is indeed at risk,” the source added.
Power Sector Faces Worsening Structural Challenges
The controversy is emerging at a time when the nation’s electricity sector is battling multiple crises, including liquidity constraints, weak infrastructure, and operational inefficiencies.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company began a large-scale retrenchment exercise, sacking about 800 employees in one of the most significant layoffs in recent years.
AEDC, which services the FCT, Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa states, has struggled with poor revenue collection and operational bottlenecks.
Sources within the company said management initially planned to dismiss 1,800 workers, but the number was later reduced following negotiations with electricity unions.
One affected staff member said, “Management wanted to sack 1800, but after much pressure, they brought it down to 800. The unions initially insisted that nobody should be sacked.”
Another insider confirmed, “The unions first said nobody should be sacked, but later they allegedly agreed to 800. The affected staff were supposed to start receiving their letters from Monday, but it was delayed, and then yesterday, the affected staff started receiving letters.”
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