President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). His appointment marks a significant shift in the regulatory landscape of Nigeria’s power sector, positioning a young, innovative leader at the helm of one of the nation’s most vital institutions.
At 39 years old, Ramat brings a blend of technical expertise, visionary leadership, and reform-driven public service experience to the table. His appointment is expected to strengthen NERC’s mandate in overseeing electricity regulation, protecting consumer interests, and shaping investor-friendly policies in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
Educational Background
Ramat has an impressive academic and professional development record:
- PhD in Strategic Management – Lincoln University
- Master’s Degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering – India
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering – Bayero University, Kano
In addition to his formal education, Ramat has earned executive certifications from prestigious institutions, which include:
- Harvard University – Big Data Analytics and Civic Engagement
- Google – Workshop Administration
- Microsoft – Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- Gonzaga University – Power Transmission and Distribution Systems
His early education began in his local community where he obtained his Primary School Leaving Certificate, followed by:
- Junior Secondary Education – Government Technical College, Ungogo
- Senior Secondary Education – Dawakin Tofa Science College
- Advanced Studies (IJMB Programme) – College of Arts, Science and Remedial Studies, Kano
Leadership in Public Service
Executive Chairman, Ungogo LGA (2021–2024)
During his tenure as Executive Chairman of Ungogo Local Government Area, Ramat launched several digital innovations aimed at transforming grassroots governance:
- Decentralized e-Identity System: Introduced a blockchain-based electronic identification system used to issue indigene and resident ID cards.
- Establishment of New Agencies:
- Ungogo Identity Management Agency (UIMA)
- Ungogo Internal Revenue Agency (UIRA)
Through the UIRA, he spearheaded the deployment of a cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which resulted in a 300% increase in internally generated revenue (IGR).
Managing Director, Kano State Metropolitan Agency
Before his role in local government, Ramat served as the Managing Director of the Kano State Metropolitan Agency, where he focused on energy retrofitting projects to reduce power usage in public facilities—an initiative that aligns well with his new responsibilities at NERC.
Innovations in Tech and Security
Ramat is also known for his forward-thinking approach to security and data management:
- LURA Surveillance Platform: Developed an advanced surveillance and local safety platform using IoT, biometrics, and real-time analytics to help local communities address security threats.
Entrepreneurship & Philanthropy
Founder/CEO of Tech Companies
Ramat is the founder and CEO of:
- AG Ramat Global Link
- AG Ramat Global Apex
These companies specialize in engineering and technology solutions for both public and private sector clients.
Ramat Foundation
A major component of Ramat’s public life is his non-profit organization—the Ramat Foundation—which focuses on education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
Education Initiatives:
- Enrolled over 500 out-of-school children back into school
- Distributed over 200,000 writing materials to primary schools in Kano
- Constructed an Islamic school in Zaura and facilitated the completion of another in Rangaza Ward
Healthcare Interventions:
- Organized regular medical outreaches providing free drugs and treatments
- Built and renovated primary healthcare centres across rural areas
- Collaborated with Multipro Inc., India, to donate free artificial limbs to over 200 amputees in 2018
Awards and Recognition
Ramat’s impact has not gone unnoticed:
- Named among the “50 Most Influential Young African Leaders” by the Pan African Youth Leadership Foundation (2022)
- Recognized by the Kano State House of Assembly as the “Best Performing Local Government Chairman”
Personal Life
Although Ramat keeps his personal life relatively private, it is known that he is married and maintains strong ties to his local community, where he began his journey in public service.
Statement Following NERC Appointment
Following the announcement of his appointment, Ramat took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to express gratitude:
“From leading just a single LGA to now being entrusted with matters concerning all the 774 LGAs through NERC,”
“Thank you, Mr. President.”
Final Thoughts
Abdullahi Garba Ramat represents a new generation of technocratic leaders—grounded in community service, equipped with global knowledge, and focused on results. As Nigeria’s electricity sector navigates a complex transition, his leadership at NERC could signal a more agile, transparent, and consumer-centric approach to regulation.
