Nikolay Ivanovich Merkushkin (Russian: Николай Иванович Меркушкин; Moksha: Кола Меркушкин; born 5 February 1951) is a Russian politician who served as Governor of Samara Oblast from 2012 to 2017 and as Head of the Republic of Mordovia from 1995 to 2012.

From 24 January to 22 September 1995, he served as Chairman of the State Assembly of Mordovia.

He has maintained popularity by having a relatively stable economy in the republic and paying salaries and pensions on time.

He has prevented opponents from running against him by disqualifying candidates which seem to have more than 3% invalid signatures.

Merkushkin is married to Taisiya Merkushkina, an ethnic Erzyan and has two sons.