Through strategic reforms, Tinuade Sanda has become a symbol of change in Nigeria’s electricity distribution sector.
Dr Tinuade Toyin Sanda has become one of the notable names in Nigeria’s energy sector, recognised for her professional journey that cuts across finance, corporate governance, and power distribution.
Sanda joined Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) in 2013, during Nigeria’s power sector privatisation phase, where she was involved in financial and tax due diligence processes. Over the years, she advanced through several strategic roles, including Chief Treasury Officer, before being appointed as the company’s first female Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer in March 2022, a development widely regarded as a milestone for gender inclusion in Nigeria’s energy industry.
Under her tenure, EKEDC reported operational improvements across several metrics. According to company data, monthly revenue collections reached record levels, and Aggregate Technical, Commercial, and Collection (ATC&C) losses were reduced significantly. Sanda also supported initiatives aimed at improving customer service and infrastructure, including the Mobile MAP Initiative, which accelerated metering deployment and reportedly delivered over 80,000 prepaid meters to customers.
Her leadership was equally marked by internal reforms focused on employee welfare, workplace safety, and customer engagement. Under her administration, EKEDC strengthened its community relations and implemented several social responsibility projects focused on education, environmental awareness, and women’s empowerment.
Sanda’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University, and an MBA in Strategic Planning from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, Scotland. She also holds a PhD in Financial Management and Entrepreneurship from ICON University, the Benin Republic. She is a fellow of multiple professional bodies, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Institute of Directors (IoD).
Beyond her corporate role, Sanda founded EmHERging, a mentorship platform designed to equip women leaders and entrepreneurs with practical business and leadership skills. She is also involved in global initiatives such as the Women in the Sustainable Economy (WISE) programme, a partnership championed by the United States government to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth for women.
Her contributions to the Nigerian energy sector have earned her widespread recognition, including the CEO of the Year award at the 2022 Africa Safety Award for Excellence (AfriSAFE). The MD/CEO was also acknowledged in the Nigerian Book of Records for her significant impact on the nation’s power sector.
