Dotun Oyemonla
The Utilities Consumers Rights Advocacy Initiative of Nigeria has petitioned Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, calling for Engr. Abdullah Ramat to step aside from his position as “Acting Chairman” of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) pending proper Senate screening and confirmation as required by law.
The petition, obtained by Advisors Reports and signed by Mr. Akinbodunse Shadrack, Principal Partner of the group, described Ramat’s assumption of office as illegal.
The Advocacy group stressed that Ramat resumed duty without fulfilling the constitutionally and statutorily required process of Senate confirmation as stipulated under the Electricity Act, 2023.
Advisors Reports confirmed that Engr. Ramat resumed as “Acting Chairman” of NERC on Friday, August 8, 2025.
In the petition, Shadrack referred to a statement issued from the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Presidency on August 7, 2025, at 20:06, which initially announced Ramat’s resumption as Acting Chairman/CEO alongside two commissioners designate.
He said, “However, in a subsequent clarification, the Presidency explicitly stated that the nominations of Ramat (Chairman-designate) and the two commissioners-designate remain subject to Senate confirmation.”
The group, therefore, expressed concern that Engr. Ramat and Mr. Yusuf proceeded to unilaterally assume office before Senate approval, a move that it argued raises serious questions over the legality of his actions and the validity of any decisions taken under his leadership.
Shadrack, in the petition, said, “Engr. Ramat’s assumption of the role of Chairman without Senate confirmation violates the statutory process outlined in Section 34(2) of the Electricity Act 2023, which requires nomination by the President and confirmation by the Senate. This makes his resumption both illegal and unconstitutional.”
The group further argued that his action constitutes a breach of institutional integrity, warning that such disregard for due process at a regulatory body as influential as NERC undermines investor confidence, weakens regulatory certainty, and threatens sectoral reforms.
The Principal Partner of the group emphasised that while acknowledging that Ramat may have acted under the impression of the Presidency’s earlier statement, both press releases were clear that commissioners-designate, including Mr. Abubakar and Mr. Aminasahun, should only resume office after Senate confirmation.
Shadrack further explained that the illegal resumption sets a dangerous precedent for the Commission and insisted that any decisions taken by an “illegally constituted” leadership risk being invalid in law.
He warned, “The fallout from this illegal, improvident assumption of office could be disastrous for national development. Nigeria’s power sector requires stability, investor confidence, and professional regulation now more than ever.
“Instead, Engr. Ramat’s assumption of office without following due process is dangerous and threatens to negatively impact investor confidence in the already fragile electricity market.
“With billions of dollars on the line in ongoing generation and distribution projects, trust in the regulatory framework is paramount. This episode risks undoing reforms under the Electricity Act and deterring foreign and local investors,” he said.
The group, therefore, urged the Attorney General to review all decisions taken by Engr. Ramat, in his current capacity, is to reverse any actions taken beyond his authority.
Shadrack therefore reiterated the importance of safeguarding the independence and integrity of regulatory institutions like NERC, stressing that strict adherence to legal procedures in leadership appointments is crucial to sustaining reforms and protecting the Nigerian power sector.
