Drama unfolds as NERC Chairman-Designate resumes office without Senate confirmation

There was mild drama at the headquarters of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Friday as the newly nominated chairman-designate, Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat, resumed duties without Senate confirmation, stirring concerns over due process.

National Daily Newspaper reports that Ramat arrived at the commission’s office in Abuja accompanied by a large entourage of political supporters barely 24 hours after the Presidency announced his nomination. His arrival came despite earlier clarification from the Presidency that his assumption of office was subject to Senate approval.

He was welcomed by Vice Chairman Musiliu Oseni and other commissioners during a brief handover session.

“We thank Mr. President for giving us such a wonderful opportunity. This is a new environment for us, and we are here to learn,” Ramat told reporters shortly after assuming office.
“We know change won’t happen overnight, but with collective effort, we can enhance the efficiency of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.”

On Thursday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, initially stated that Ramat would serve in an acting capacity pending confirmation.

However, the statement was later updated, removing the reference to Ramat assuming any position before Senate confirmation.

The revised statement read:

“President Bola Tinubu has nominated Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the new Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)… All nominations are subject to Senate confirmation. The commission’s acting chairman will continue in office until the confirmation of the new chairman-designate.”

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President Tinubu also nominated Abubakar Yusuf as Commissioner of Consumer Affairs and Dr. Fouad Olayinka Animashun as Commissioner of Finance and Management Services.

Legal experts and public commentators have raised concerns about the implications of Ramat’s early resumption, citing Section 34 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, which requires Senate confirmation before such appointments can take effect.

Critics argue that bypassing legislative approval could set a dangerous precedent and undermine the rule of law in regulatory appointments.