In a strategic move aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s electricity sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The announcement was made Thursday in Abuja by Presidential Spokesperson Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
Ramat, 39, is an accomplished electrical engineer with a PhD in Strategic Management and a reputation for innovation and reform. He is expected to assume office in an acting capacity pending Senate confirmation.
President Tinubu also approved the nomination of two new commissioners to the NERC board: Mr. Abubakar Yusuf as Commissioner for Consumer Affairs and Dr. Fouad Olayinka Animashun as Commissioner for Finance and Management Services.
Ramat’s appointment has drawn attention across the energy sector, given his impressive academic and professional background. He holds degrees from Bayero University, Jodhpur National University, and Lincoln University, and boasts certifications from Harvard, Microsoft, and Google.
As Executive Chairman of Ungogo Local Government Area in Kano State (2021–2024), Ramat led groundbreaking digital reforms, including Nigeria’s first blockchain-based e-identity system and a smart surveillance platform integrating IoT and biometrics. His tenure saw a 300% increase in internally generated revenue.
Industry experts say his appointment could mark a turning point for NERC, which plays a critical role in regulating electricity tariffs, licensing operators, and protecting consumer rights.
The new leadership is expected to tackle longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s electricity sector, including grid instability, metering gaps, and consumer complaints.
With Ramat’s tech-forward approach and the support of newly appointed commissioners, stakeholders are hopeful for a more transparent and efficient regulatory environment.
The appointments come amid broader reforms in the energy sector, as the Tinubu administration seeks to attract investment and improve service delivery.
