The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has approved the appointment of Sherifat Adegbenro, as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko Disco). This development represents another leadership transition within one of Nigeria’s key electricity distribution companies and reflects ongoing regulatory oversight aimed at ensuring stability in the power sector.
Details of the Appointment
According to NERC, the approval of Adegbenro’s appointment aligns with corporate governance requirements within Nigeria’s electricity supply industry. The commission emphasized that the move is temporary, pending the appointment of a substantive CEO by the company’s board.
The regulatory body framed the decision as necessary to:
- Maintain leadership continuity
- Ensure operational stability
- Uphold governance standards within the sector
This intervention underscores NERC’s active role in supervising management structures of distribution companies (DisCos), especially during transitional periods.
Profile of Sherifat Adegbenro
Before her elevation, Adegbenro held strategic roles within the energy and corporate governance space.
She previously served as:
- Chief Audit and Compliance Officer at EKEDC
- A senior executive in power and renewable energy operations
Her background in compliance, auditing, and corporate governance positions her as a technocrat with experience relevant to addressing operational and regulatory challenges in the electricity distribution sector.
About Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC)
Eko Electricity Distribution Company is one of Nigeria’s 11 electricity distribution companies, created after the unbundling of the former Power Holding Company of Nigeria.
Key facts about EKEDC:
- Serves southern Lagos and parts of Ogun State
- Privatised in 2013 under power sector reforms
- Majority stake acquired by a private consortium in 2025
The company plays a critical role in delivering electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in one of Nigeria’s most economically active regions.
Context: Leadership Changes and Sector Challenges
The appointment comes amid a history of frequent leadership changes and governance issues within EKEDC.
In recent years, the company has experienced:
- Boardroom disputes and executive reshuffles
- Interim and acting CEO appointments
- Regulatory interventions by NERC
Such instability reflects broader challenges in Nigeria’s electricity distribution segment, including:
- Revenue collection inefficiencies
- Infrastructure deficits
- Regulatory compliance pressures
NERC’s approval of an acting CEO suggests a continued effort to stabilise management and enforce governance standards across DisCos.
Implications of the Appointment
a. Operational Continuity
Adegbenro’s appointment ensures that EKEDC maintains leadership while searching for a permanent CEO, preventing disruption in daily operations.
b. Strengthening Governance
By insisting on compliance with corporate governance codes, NERC reinforces accountability and transparency in the sector.
c. Signal to Investors
The move may reassure investors and stakeholders that regulatory oversight remains active, particularly following ownership and structural changes in the company.
d. Gender Representation
Adegbenro’s emergence also contributes to the growing presence of women in leadership roles within Nigeria’s power sector, a trend gaining visibility in recent years.
Conclusion
The appointment of Sherifat Adegbenro as Acting CEO of Eko Disco marks a significant regulatory and managerial development in Nigeria’s electricity distribution landscape. While temporary, the decision highlights NERC’s commitment to ensuring continuity, enforcing governance standards, and stabilising a critical utility provider.
Going forward, the effectiveness of her tenure will likely be judged by improvements in operational efficiency, customer service delivery, and the company’s ability to navigate ongoing sector challenges while awaiting a substantive CEO.
