CIPEN Raises Alarm Over Appointment of Non-Electrical Engineer To Head NEMSA ..... Writes Letter To President Tinubu

"We respectfully urge Your Excellency to consider our request and recommendation as stated above, ensuring that NEMSA’s leadership aligns with statutory requirements, complies with the Act, meets industry needs, and ultimately supports the sustainability of Nigeria’s power supply industry." CIPEN 

A group of professionals, under the aegis of the Chartered Institute of Power Engineers of Nigeria (CIPEN) has expressed concern over the appointment of a non-electrical engineer, Mr. Peter Utsu Ashibel, as Acting Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and Acting Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation (CEIF).

The group, under the leadership of Engr. Israel E. Abraham, President and Chairman of CIPEN Governing Council, cited a serious violation of the Electricity Act, 2023; in related to the appointment.

In an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, CIPEN argued that Ashibel’s appointment contravene Section 77(1) of the Electricity Act, which stipulates that the CEIF must be an electrical engineer of proven competence in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

CIPEN also emphasized that the CEIF role is critical to ensuring technical standards and regulations within NEMSA, and that a non-technical head risks compromising the agency’s effectiveness and safety of power infrastructure in Nigeria.

The institute therefore, urged President Tinubu to address the anomaly, ensuring NEMSA’s leadership aligns with statutory requirements and supports the sustainability of Nigeria’s power supply industry.

According to him, “finally, we respectfully urge Your Excellency to consider our request and recommendation as stated above, ensuring that NEMSA’s leadership aligns with statutory requirements, complies with the Act, meets industry needs, and ultimately supports the sustainability of Nigeria’s power supply industry.

“Please accept the assurances of our highest consideration and professional commitment in supporting your administration’s reform efforts through technical excellence”, Engr. Israeli Abraham said.