In the realm of crisis management, women are often credited for their adept handling of challenges. The argument follows that the experience of childbearing instills in them a unique blend of compassion and patience, qualities crucial in navigating complex situations. In Nigeria, a country grappling with crises in sectors like revenue generation and erratic power supply, the spotlight turns to Tinuade Sanda, the current Managing Director of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC).
In her relatively short tenure, Tinuade Sanda has achieved a remarkable feat—an unprecedented monthly collection of 16.8 billion naira. This accomplishment underscores the indispensable attributes women bring to leadership roles. Sadly, Nigeria has not fully harnessed the potential of its female leaders, missing out on the valuable contributions they could make to national development.
Dr. Tinuade Sanda, a trailblazing figure in Sub-Sahara’s largest distribution company, challenges preconceptions about gender and leadership. Her appointment as the Managing Director of EKEDC is not rooted in her gender but in her competence and qualifications.
Born on August 6, 1979, Dr. Tinuade Sanda is the eldest in a family of two children. Her academic journey led her to obtain a second-class upper degree in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University in 2001. Undeterred, she pursued further studies, earning a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Her accolades extend to being an Associate Member of the Risk Management Association of Nigeria, the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, and the Institute of Directors, Nigeria. In 2020, she earned a Doctorate in Philosophy in Financial Management & Entrepreneurship from the ICON University of Management Science & Technology, Benin Republic.
Dr. Tinuade Sanda’s commitment to continuous learning is evident in her attendance at the Strategic Financial Analysis for Business Evaluation Program at Harvard Business School in 2015. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Nigeria, the Institute of Management Consultants in the United States, and the Institute of Professional Financial Managers in London.
Commencing her career in banking, Tinuade held diverse roles, including serving as the relationship manager at Chartered Bank in 2001. Joining Access Bank in 2003, she garnered extensive experience in branch operations, customer service, cash management, and retail credit management.
Transitioning to the power sector, she ascended the ranks at EKEDC, fulfilling roles such as Chief Finance Officer and Chief Treasury Officer. Her involvement in the privatization team and subsequent leadership as the head of finance paved the way for her historic appointment as the first female CEO of Eko Electricity Distribution Company.
Tinuade Sanda’s tenure as MD/CEO showcased a series of groundbreaking achievements, with more milestones continually being reached. Notably, her leadership led to the highest-ever monthly collection of N16.8b, the lowest-ever ATC&C losses of 15.69%, and the successful relaunch of the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Scheme. Additionally, her strategic approach facilitated the installation of 110 transformers within EKEDC’s network to address overload challenges. These accomplishments, coupled with ongoing efforts, highlight her expertise in the power and finance sector, marking her as a driving force behind sustained positive change in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
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