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.
