Group decries delay in inaugurating Abdullahi Ramat as NERC chairman, demands immediate action

The APC Niger Delta Youth Vanguard has voiced strong disapproval over the continued delay in ratifying and inaugurating Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

In a statement released on Friday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Osarodion Darlington, the group described the situation as unjustifiable, particularly after Engr. Ramat was duly screened and cleared by the Senate Committee on Power. It said the failure of the Senate leadership to complete the process is detrimental to Nigeria’s ongoing electricity reform efforts.

“The APC Niger Delta Youth Vanguard therefore expresses deep concern and strong dissatisfaction over the continued delay in the inauguration of Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

“This delay, allegedly influenced by powerful interests within the leadership of the National Assembly, is not only a direct disregard of the constitutional powers of the President, but also a deliberate obstruction of the ongoing electricity reform agenda aimed at stabilizing Nigeria’s power sector,” the statement read.

The group stressed that the appointment of Engr. Ramat was a strategic decision by President Bola Tinubu to reposition the power sector for better performance through competence, transparency, and regulatory efficiency.

“Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat is not just qualified—he is exceptionally experienced and deeply grounded in the technical, administrative, and policy frameworks required to manage and reform the electricity regulatory environment. His track record of service, leadership, and professional integrity is well known across Nigeria’s energy sector. It is for this reason that Mr. President found him worthy of this critical national assignment,” it added.

While pledging full support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the group urged the Senate to expedite action to ensure that Engr. Ramat assumes office without further delay.

“We therefore strongly demand that the leadership of the Senate and all relevant stakeholders immediately conclude the ratification process and allow Engr. Garba to resume office without further delay. Holding this appointment to ransom is equivalent to holding Nigeria’s power sector hostage. Such actions undermine public trust and hinder the progress that this administration is working to achieve,” the statement continued.

Reaffirming its backing for the President’s vision for a renewed Nigeria, the APC Niger Delta Youth Vanguard vowed not to remain silent while vested interests frustrate national progress.

“We call on the Senate to do the needful now,” it concluded.