Col. Sani Bello (RTD) Chairman
He was born on November 27, 1942, in Kontagora, Niger State, Col. Sani Bello began his education at
Kontagora Central Primary School (1950–1956) and continued at Bida Government College (1957–1962).
In December 1962, he joined the Nigerian Army and graduated from the prestigious Royal Military Academy,
Sandhurst, UK, in 1965.
During his distinguished military career, Col. Bello served in various capacities, including:
Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Nigerian Supreme Commander
Rear Commander of the former 3 Marine Commando
Assistant Quartermaster General of the 3 Marine Commando Division
Deputy Adjutant General of the Nigerian Army (1971–1975)
In 1975, he was appointed the Military Governor of the old Kano State, a position he held until 1978.
Following this, he became the first Nigerian Principal Staff Officer at the Armed Forces Command and
Staff College, Jaji, before retiring from the military in 1979.
Post-retirement, Col. Bello made significant contributions to public service and business. He served as:
Chairman of the Niger State NYSC
Chairman of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, leading the national team to the Commonwealth and World Championships in 1983
Nigerian High Commissioner to Zimbabwe (1984–1986)
He later served on the boards of several notable organizations, including:
Law Union & Rock Insurance Company Ltd
Niger State Polytechnic
Niger State Science Schools Board
Globe-Re Insurance
Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company
Amni International Petroleum Development Company Ltd
MTN Nigeria Ltd
Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd
In addition to his corporate engagements, Col. Bello is the founder of Mustafa Comprehensive School
and the Sani Bello Vocational Training Centre, contributing to education and skill development in Nigeria.
An avid sports enthusiast, his hobbies include table tennis and chess. Col. Sani Bello is married and
blessed with children.
Col. Sani Bello (RTD)
Chairman
Chief (Dr.) Victor I. Odili, OON Director attended the Croydon Technical College, London, and the
London School of Economics, where he obtained his first degree.
He joined Lonhro Limited in London and was later deployed to Beirut, Lebanon, where he served for
many years. He thereafter ventured into private business and became the Chairman of Brawal Shipping
Nigeria Ltd, a subsidiary of Aeromaritime Group of Companies.
He is a director of many successful companies in Nigeria and serves as the Chairman and Executive
Director of Aeromaritime Group, a parent company to over eight member-companies operating in different
sectors across Nigeria, including shipping, stevedoring, and oil and gas.
Chief (Dr.) Victor Odili, OON, also serves as a Director at MTN Nigeria Communications Limited.
Chief (DR) Victor I. Odili
Director
Chief Tunde J. Afolabi Director He is the Chairman/CEO of Amni International Petroleum Development Company Ltd.
He received his BA in Geology in 1973 from Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US, and an MSc
in Geology in 1975 from Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, US.
He started his career with Texaco Inc. in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1974 and continued with Mobil Inc. in Dallas, Texas,
in 1979. He is a professional Geologist with over 40 years of oil and gas exploration and production experience from
international and independent oil and gas companies.
He is a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, a past President of the Nigerian Association of
Petroleum Explorations, and a council member of the Nigerian Association of Indigenous Production and Exploration Companies.
Chief Afolabi was conferred with a Doctor of Technology (Honoris Causa) by Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho, Osun State,
Nigeria, in 2009, and a Doctor of Geology (Honoris Causa) at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Nigeria, in 2017.
He is a member of several professional bodies and an active supporter of non-partisan socio-political engagements across Africa.
Chief Tunde J. Afolabi (MFR)
Director
Brig. Gen. Tunde Ogbeha Director He was born in Lokoja, Kogi State in 1947. After obtaining a West African School Certificate, he attended the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, where he obtained a Nigerian Defence Academy diploma in 1970. In 1986, he attended The Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru.
He was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant into the Nigerian Army in 1970, rising through the ranks and voluntarily retiring in 1992 as a Brigadier General. On retirement from military service, Brig. Gen. Ogbeha went into private practice in the oil services industry at Keedak Nigeria Limited and served as Chairman of First Atlantic Bank. He has attended numerous professional courses both locally and abroad.
He also served the public sector as a Senator from 1999-2007. He retired from public service in 2007 and established a radio and television broadcasting company, Confluence Cable Network (CCN), in Lokoja, Kogi State.
Brig. Gen. Tunde Ogbeha (RTD)
Director
Col. Peters (RTD) Director held numerous posts during his military career, including commanding officer in various regiments. He rose to become Director of Telecommunications at HQ Nigerian Army Signals and the Ministry of Defence. He retired from the Nigerian Army at the rank of Colonel.
After his retirement from active service, Col. Peters became the Chairman/CEO of Alpha Technologies Ltd Lagos, from 1990 to 1998. During this time, he was involved with the supply, installation, and maintenance of generators for rural electricity supply, as well as rural electrification projects.
Col. Ayegbeni A. Peters (RTD)
Director
Alhaji Ibrahim Ismail Director Alhaji Ibrahim Ismail was born in Jigawa State. He began his career immediately after his call to the bar,
progressing from a Legal Officer to a Principal State Counsel in the Kano State Ministry of Justice. He served in
the public service as the Secretary and Legal Adviser of the Kano State Urban Development Board, now Kano State
Environmental Protection Agency (KASEPA).
In 1984, he was appointed a member of the Kano State Executive Council as a Commissioner of Home Affairs and Information
and Education. In 1989, he was appointed Special Assistant to the erstwhile Military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
Ibrahim Ismail is currently a Principal Partner in the Law Firm of Universal Chambers Abuja and serves as Director on the
Board of the following companies: Heritage Press Ltd, People's Media Ltd, Elmirage Petroleum and Gas Company Ltd, Dornier
Aviation Nigeria Limited AIEP (DANA), TELEMAX, GTESC Ltd, PowerHub, and Trusted Pharmacy of West Africa Ltd.
Alhaji Ibrahim Ismail
Director
Alhaji Awwal Manga Director He is a Quantity Surveyor by profession. He is an established businessman with investments in key sectors
of the Nigerian economy such as the Power Sector and Agriculture. He is also the founder and CEO of Supachem Limited and
sits on several boards.
Alhaji Awwal Manga
Director
Engr. Ebele Okeke (CFR) Director Heis a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the first female to be appointed to that office.
She is also the first Nigerian female Civil Engineer and the first female to be appointed to the board of Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd.
Engr. Okeke has vast experience and a track record of delivering outstanding performance in a highly competitive engineering-related sector.
She is a fellow of engineering societies both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom and has qualifications in hydrology.
Engr. Ebele O. Okeke
Director
Omatseyin Ayida Director Omatseyin Ayida joined the Board of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (“MESL”) - concessionaire of Kainji and Jebba Hydro Power Plants -
in September 2018. He has a wealth of experience at Board and Management levels in Energy, Financial Markets, Strategy, and Risk Management.
He is currently the Managing Director of Saken Capital Partners Limited, having previously served as the Managing Director of Ruyat Oil Limited.
Mr. Ayida serves as Chair of the company’s Board Audit and Risk Committee and Investment Sub-Committee, as well as being a member of its
Finance and Procurement Committee. He was nominated to represent MESL as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Power Generation
Companies (“APGC”) in 2018, where he has been instrumental in the promotion of the Association’s mandate to drive synergy, financial, and
commercial viability within Nigeria’s power sector.
He was previously the Managing Director of Capital Bank International PLC, where he led the successful buyout and merger of the bank with Access Bank PLC
and Marina International Bank in 2005, creating value for the shareholders. Before joining Capital Bank in 2001, he served with Commercial Bank
(Credit Lyonnais) Nigeria Limited in various capacities in the Corporate Finance Department, Multinational Corporate Banking, and Human Resource
Management for the institution, rising to become the Deputy Managing Director in 1998.
Mr. Ayida is an honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and currently serves on the boards of several public and private institutions,
including but not limited to FBN Holdings PLC. He has attended several executive programmes at Harvard Business School, Lagos Business School,
Centre International de Management et D’enseigment Strategique (CIMES), and Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management.
He is a golf lover and is married with children.
Omatseyin Akene Ayida
Director
Mallam Abubakar Ismaila Isa mni, FCNA is a Nigerian businessman and accomplished corporate board member with extensive interests in the energy sector and broader business landscape.
He serves as a Director on the Board of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, where he provides strategic guidance and board-level oversight that supports the Company's governance, growth, and long-term sustainability objectives.
A graduate of Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, he has built a distinguished career spanning business development, corporate governance, and investment portfolio management. He is associated with the Funtua Group and maintains diverse business interests across key sectors of the Nigerian economy, bringing valuable industry insight and commercial expertise to the organizations he serves.
Mallam Abubakar Sama’ila Isa, FCNA, mni.
Director
Edward Edozien Director
Edward Chidi Edozien is an experienced oil trader and Founder/CEO of Setana Oil Ltd, an oil trading company based in London.Mr Edozien earned an MBA in International Business from City University Business School, London and a Bachelor of Business and Economics from Georgetown University, Washington DC.
Edward Edozien
Director
Boubacar Seybou Director Boubacar Seybou is an accomplished energy sector professional with over 11 years of experience in the electricity industry. He holds a degree in Electrotechnical Engineering from the Université Ibn Khaldoun, Tiaret/Algérie and a Master’s in Development Economics from the Université de Clermont Auvergne, France.
Before his appointment in 2024 as General Secretary at Société Nigérienne d’Electricité (NIGELEC) in Niamey, Republic of Niger, he led the Studies and Planning Directorate, driving strategic infrastructure development, demand forecasting, and the integration of renewable energy into Niger’s power mix. Over the course of his career, he has overseen major investment projects, managed partnerships with international financing institutions such as the World Bank, AFD, and AfDB, and ensured the efficient operation, expansion, and modernization of power networks across the country.
Recognized for his strategic vision, technical expertise, and strong leadership, he continues to play a vital role in advancing Niger’s electricity sector and strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders to meet the nation’s growing energy needs.
In his free time, he enjoys football, Nigerien traditional wrestling and watching movies.
Boubacar Seybou
Director
Engr. Lamu Audu Outgoing Managing Director/CEO
Engr. Lamu Audu obtained his B.ENG Mechanical from the University of Mai-duguri. Prior to that, he obtained an Ordinary National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Ramat College of Tech-nology Maiduguri and Kaduna Polytechnic respectively.
Engr. Lamu started his career with Borno State Ministry of Works and Housing in 1986 after completing his One-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps with WRECA in Kano. He worked with Borno State MOW&H as Principal Mechanical Engineer till when he moved to National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) as Manager (Mechanical) in April 1996. He attended many professional courses and training workshops, which included NEPA pupil Engineer/Technologist Development programme, Supervised Pupilage programme at Shiroro Hydro Power Station, Supervised Pupilage Programme at Lagos Thermal Power Station, Egbin, and Management Development Training programme by Accenture.
In June 2002, he was promoted to Senior Manager (Mechanical) at Kainji Hy-dro Power Station. Engr. Lamu was elevated to the position of Principal Man-ager (Turbine) in August 2008, a position he held for a period of just a little above one year before he was transferred to Jebba Hydro Electric PLC to take on the position of Assistant General Manager (Maintenance) in October 2009. In August 2011, Engr. Lamu was appointed MD/CEO of Jebba Hydro Electric PLC, a position he held till the completion of privatizing the Electricity sector.
The Board of Directors of Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd, the succes-sor company that acquired assets of Kainji and Jebba Hydro Electric PLC ap-pointed him as the MD/CEO of Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd in October 2013. A position he holds till date.Engr. Lamu holds various Professional Qualifications such as:
Fellow of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (FNSE)
Fellow of the International Hydro Association (FIHA))
Member, Council for the Regulation of Engineer in Nigeria (COREN)
Member, Nigerian Institute of Engineering Management (NIEM)
Member, Nigerian Institute of Mechanical Engineers (NIME)
Member, World Energy Council (WEC)
Member, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN).
In the course of his professional career, he attended a number of trainings and capacity building programme. Some of them include;
Course on Power Plant Management in Accra, Ghana (June 2009)
Course on Theory and Application on Incentive regulation (May 2011).
Maintenance Training on Vibration and Balancing of large Composite Turbine and Compressor Shaft.
Course in AVIRA Program by INSEAD Business School, Singapore (September 2014)
High Performance Leadership Programme, Oxford (November 2016)
To honor his achievements, he was awarded the following;
Fellow, Institute for Government Research Leadership Technology
Fellow Institute of Credit Administration
Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) Honoris Causa from Common Wealth University.
Engr. Lamu Audu
Outgoing Managing Director/ CEO
Siraj Abdullahi Managing Director/CEO Designate
Siraj Abdullahi studied Law at the University of Sokoto. He proceeded to the Nigeria Law School and was called to the Nigeria Bar in 1987. Siraj also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences and Masters Degree in Business Administration from Bayero University in Kano.Siraj started a career in Banking at Continental Merchant Bank Plc in 1989. He attended many professional courses and Training workshops in credit analysis, Treasury management and Corporate Finance.
He moved to Broad Bank of Nigeria as an Assistant Manager, worked for 2 years in the Credit and Marketing Department and was the pioneer Branch Manager of one of the new branches of the Bank opened in Kano during that period.He moved to Guaranty Trust Bank Plc in 1997. A well trained Banker and experienced credit analyst Siraj worked in the Banking Industry up to 1999 when he was appointed the Special Assistant to the Honorable Minister of Commerce.
He worked with the Minister of Commerce traveling extensively with the Minister during those years attending International meetings, seminars and conferences. He represented Nigeria at several Bilateral and Multilateral trade negotiations.In September 2001 Siraj was appointed Deputy Director in the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria. Together with a New Management Team at the CAC worked tirelessly for the rebirth of a more efficient and customer friendly CAC and the new online company registration for the Commission.
He returned to the Banking Industry and to Guaranty Trust Bank as Divisional Head North West in April 2004. He was responsible for Marketing and General administration in his division. He became General Manager and member of Executive Management in 2008 a position he held until July 2013 when he voluntarily resigned to take up his current job as Executive Director in Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd, operators of Kainji and Jebba Hydro power plants and strong players in the emerging power sector in Nigeria.
Siraj Abdullahi
Managing Director/CEO Designate
Atinuke Taiwo Executive Director, Legal
Atinuke Taiwo is a Director and the General Counsel providing oversight on Legal, Compliance and Regulatory matters for Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited. Atinuke has over 28 years working experience and extensive expertise in Legal, Management and Operational matters and has dealt extensively in corporate law, securities law, power sector reform, corporate/project/infrastructure financing, compliance, mergers and acquisition, including managing regulatory reporting and audit, driving policies and procedures, and delivering training.
Atinuke has worked in various companies including Bear Stearns Asset Management (USA), JPMorgan (USA), GE Commercial (USA) and FMDQ OTC Plc (Nigeria). She holds a Masters of Law from Northwestern University (Chicago), and is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and International Bar Association.
Atinuke Taiwo
Executive Director, Legal
Usman M. Umar Executive Director
We are thrilled to announce that, following the 47th Board Meeting of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, Mr. Usman Muhammad Umar has officially assumed the role of Executive Director, Corporate Services.Mr. Umar, in his previous capacity as General Manager, Human Resources, played a pivotal role in driving organizational change and establishing a performance culture that consistently delivered remarkable year-on-year results.
Under his leadership, the Employee Value Proposition at MESL has become unparalleled, and he has been a strong advocate for employee welfare.Usman's influence extends beyond the company's borders, as he has been instrumental in building talent and forging alliances within the sector and the West African sub-region. Notably, he led the establishment of an academy dedicated to becoming a center of excellence in hydro power and renewable energy.His proactive approach to identifying opportunities for organizational growth is evident in his track record. Notably, as part of the leadership team that successfully negotiated and acquired the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) and secured bids for the Zungeru Hydro Power Plant (700 MW) and Kashimbilla Hydro Power Plant (40MW).
Usman's commitment to corporate social responsibility is noteworthy, as he has served as an executive sponsor for impactful community projects through the Mainstream Foundation. These initiatives include electrification projects, hospitals, and schools in host communities.Throughout his career, Usman has consistently demonstrated a drive for success, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven ability to deliver outstanding results across diverse sectors, leaving behind a legacy of excellence.Join us in extending heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Usman Umar on his well-deserved promotion to Executive Director. As he steps into this new role, we wish him continued success, strength, and vigor. Here's to a prosperous journey ahead! Congratulations!
Usman Muhammad Umar
Executive Director
Cleber Romao Executive Director, Technical
Cleber Romao is an accomplished Electromechanical Engineer and hydropower expert with over 25 years of global experience delivering complex energy and infrastructure projects across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. As Chief Technical Officer of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, he provides strategic technical leadership across the hydropower lifecycle from pre-feasibility and design through construction, commissioning, operations, rehabilitation, and modernization.
As a PMI-certified Program Management Professional (PgMP)®️, he has led large-scale rehabilitation and new projects exceeding 1,000 MW, directing multidisciplinary teams and overseeing high-value assets. His expertise spans electromechanical systems, hydraulic structures, control and protection systems, auxiliary systems, grid integration and more.
He is internationally recognized for integrating engineering dexterity with robust program, risk, quality, and HSE management. He has a proven track record in contract administration, claims management, and insurance optimization, consistently delivering projects on time, within scope, and aligned with client and stakeholder expectations.
With extensive experience in both utility operations and international consulting, he brings a unique blend of hands-on technical depth and executive-level strategic oversight, supporting sustainable asset performance, operational reliability, and long-term value creation for energy organizations.
Cleber Romao
Executive Director, Technical
Ibrahim Dan Shuaib Executive Director, Finance
Mr. Ibrahim holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Warwick Business School, United Kingdom.He is an Honorary Senior Member (HCIB) of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Fellow (FICA) Institute of Credit Administration (ICA), Fellow (FIMS) Institute of Management Specialist UK (FIMS), Member, of the Association of Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist (ACA) Member, Chartered Management Institute (CMI), Member, Professional Risk Managers International Association (PRIMA) and Affiliate Member, Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) UK.
He has attended various professional and leadership programs from accredited organizations such as the IMD in Lausanne Switzerland, the Chevening Leadership Programme at Lagos Business School, and the Citibank School of Banking in New York, USA.
