Leadership
Meet the dedicated leaders of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority.
Emeka Onyegbule
Chairman/CEO
As the pioneer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA), Emeka Onyegbule is leading genuine efforts to expand the Abia State energy portfolio, deepen regulatory effectiveness and steer the strategic direction and operational framework of the Authority.
With over two decades of deep-rooted expertise in the power sector, he brings invaluable experience in economic regulation, market reforms, tariff design, and utility management. His career spans the entire electricity value chain with particular focus on wholesale, retail electricity, gas market, and renewable energy reforms. He spent 18 years at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), where he played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s electricity market. His contributions include the development and implementation of the MYTO tariff model, ATC&C Loss Framework, Licensing Regimes, Market Rules, privatization of PHCN companies, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Gas Supply Agreements (GSAs), and other market contracts. Beginning his career in generation and distribution companies, he gained hands-on operational experience that enriched his regulatory insights. His academic foundation in economics and finance is complemented by a Master of Science in Economics, Finance and Business, alongside certifications from several local and internationally recognised institutions.
A committed scholar and thought leader, he is an Associate Member of the Nigerian Economic Society, a Member of the International Chartered Institute of Arbitration (CIArb), the Nigerian Association of Energy Economics (NAEE). His contributions to academic literature led to the publication of his book, “Making Electricity Reforms Work in Developing Economies” in 2023.
Iguwo Ukwu
Executive Director, Legal & Regulatory
Iguwo Ukwu is an accomplished lawyer and corporate governance professional with over 32 years of post-call experience across legal advisory, regulatory compliance, and executive management. He has held senior leadership and general counsel positions within Nigeria’s electricity distribution industry, bringing a wealth of expertise in governance, regulatory frameworks, and organizational leadership. He holds an LL.B (Hons) from the University of Nigeria and an LL.M from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria.
Mr. Ukwu’s career has spanned the financial services and energy sectors. He began his professional career in legal services and debt recovery at Unity Bank Plc and NNB International Bank Plc before serving as Managing Director/CEO of Primewealth Nominees Limited and Company Secretary/Legal Adviser of Primewealth Capital Limited. He went on to serve as Head, Legal/Company Secretary at Enugu Electricity Distribution Plc (2015–2021) and subsequently as Company Secretary/Head Legal at Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc. In addition, he has contributed to academia as an adjunct lecturer in company law and contract law at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.
He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN). As a trainer and thought leader, he regularly delivers capacity-building sessions on business law, regulation, corporate governance, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), business ethics, and sustainability
Engr. Iheanyi Weze
Executive Director, Technical
Engr. Iheanyi Weze is a seasoned Electrical Engineer and corporate manager with extensive experience in Nigeria’s power and energy sector. He holds an HND in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Institute of Management & Technology, Enugu; an M.Eng. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Enugu State University of Science & Technology; an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He is a COREN Registered Engineer. A member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (MNSE) and a member of Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM).
Engr. Weze built his career at the Electricity Meter Company of Nigeria Limited, where he rose through the ranks from Quality Control Engineer to managerial positions, including Maintenance Manager, Technical Manager, Production Manager, and Engineering Manager. His responsibilities covered meter and circuit breaker production and calibration, quality control and assurance. Equipment maintenance, and he participated in the setting of Nigerian standards for single-phase, three-phase meters and mini circuit breakers. He also played a key role in the installation of prepaid meters for Yola Electricity Distribution Company.
In private practice, Engr. Weze successfully executed numerous power and infrastructure projects, including high-voltage line extensions (33kV and 11kV), the construction of substations (300kVA, 200kVA, 100kVA, and 50kVA), prepaid meter installations, and solar-powered borehole projects.
Dr. Joy Oti
Non-Executive Director
Dr. Joy Oti is a dual-qualified lawyer, licensed in both England & Wales and Nigeria. She has wide experience in consumer law, investment and trade law, and market regulation, and has also contributed to energy-sector reforms in Nigeria. She studied Law at Abia State University before completing a Master of Laws in International Business and Commercial Law at University College London, an MBA at Coventry University, and a PhD in Consumer Law at the University of Warwick.
Dr. Oti has taught and researched at Warwick and Coventry Universities, focusing on how law and regulation shape markets and protect consumers, while also guiding students in legal clinics that offered solutions to real consumer disputes. She also has practical legal experience in the United Kingdom as an in-house solicitor, working on trade, investment, and consumer law matters. In Nigeria, she practiced with Kanu Agabi & Associates, advising on contracts, compliance, and governance issues, including work linked to energy and infrastructure projects. She also served on the Abia State Electricity Committee, where she provided legal and governance input that supported the drafting of the Abia State Electricity Law.
Dr. Oti is currently a non-executive Board Member of ASERA and a member of the Abia State Advisory Council on Electricity. In these roles, she draws on her expertise in consumer law, trade, investment, and market regulation to help shape a transparent electricity market that protects consumers, encourages investor confidence, and expands reliable access to power in Abia State.
Eberechukwu Ogunsola
Non-Executive Director
Eberechukwu Ogunsola is a dynamic leader with deep expertise in renewable energy, finance, and business strategy. She started her career as a deal adviser at EY and PwC, where she supported organizations – including major oil and gas companies; and Gencos on capital raising and growth initiatives. She also worked as an investment officer at African Capital Alliance, where she evaluated and structured multi-million-dollar investments.
She brings a nuanced understanding of how regulation can shape industry behavior and supports ASERA on smart, business-oriented policymaking. She is an active player in the renewable energy industry and has developed/managed over 3 GW of wind and solar assets across the United States.
She has an MBA for MIT Sloan School of Management and a B.Sc. Economics from Bells University of Technology.
