The new NERC chairman, Abdullahi Ramat, has assumed office.
Glamtush reports that the newly appointed Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Abdullahi Ramat, assumed office on Friday.
This news platform recalls that Ramat’s appointment was announced in a statement by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday.
Onanuga said Tinubu nominated Ramat as the new Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.
Ramat, 39, is an electrical engineer and administrator with a PhD in Strategic Management, among other qualifications.
Tinubu also nominated Mr Abubakar Yusuf as NERC Commissioner of Consumer Affairs and Dr Fouad Animashun as NERC Commissioner of Finance and Management Services.
While acknowledging the fact that all the nominations are subject to Senate confirmation, Tinubu, however, directed Ramat to assume office in an acting capacity pending his screening by the Senate.
Consequently, Ramat assumed office on Friday to take over as the acting chairman of the commission regulating Nigeria’s power sector pending Senate approval.
Escorted by a military officer, friends, and associates, Ramat was received by NERC Vice Chairman, Musiliu Osen, at a handover ceremony held at the NERC office in Abuja.
A former Executive Chairman of Ungogo Local Government, Kano State, Ramat pledged his dedication to strengthening the power sector, recognising the expectations of the government, the operators, and Nigerians.
He said the challenges in the power sector are surmountable if all stakeholders work in harmony.
Ramat urged NERC officials to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and transparency to stabilise that sector.
He stated that he would study the books handed over to him in his push to boost power generation, transmission and distribution.
“We thank Mr President for giving us such a wonderful opportunity. This is a new environment for us, and we are here to learn. We will review all relevant documents and processes to better understand the system before taking action.
“We know change won’t happen overnight, but with collective effort, we can enhance the efficiency of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. We are aware of the challenges Nigerians face, and it will not be business as usual. Distribution and generation companies must do the right things,” he said in a chat with newsmen after the ceremony.
Ramat is replacing Sanusi Garba, whose tenure is expected to end by December.
