President Bola Tinubu has appointed Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

In a statement issued on Thursday, Bayo Onanuga, special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated that Ramat, who served as chairman of Ungogo local government area (LGA) in Kano state from 2021 to 2024, will take office in an interim capacity until approved by the Senate.

Tinubu also appointed Abubakar Yusuf as consumer affairs commissioner and Fouad Olayinka Animashun as NERC’s finance and management services commissioner.

“President Bola Tinubu has nominated Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the new Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC),” Onanuga said.

“Engr Ramat, 39, is an electrical engineer and administrator, with a PhD in Strategic Management, among other qualifications.

“President Tinubu also nominated two commissioners for the NERC.

“They are Mr Abubakar Yusuf, Commissioner of Consumer Affairs and Dr Fouad Olayinka Animashun, Commissioner of Finance and Management Services.”

Onanuga stated that the appointments are subject to Senate confirmation; nonetheless, “to avoid a leadership vacuum in the critical regulatory agency, the President directed that Engr Ramat assume office in acting capacity pending his screening by the Senate, as stipulated by law.”

According to the spokesperson, Tinubu advised the new appointees to use their skills and experience to carry out their duties and work hard to advance the administration’s agenda for the electricity sector.

In a statement acknowledging his appointment, Ramat stated, “Alhamdulillah.” From leading only one LGA to now being responsible for all 774 LGAs through NERC. Truly, God is magnificent.”

Ramat thanked Tinubu for the opportunity to serve.