In a forward-looking move to drive reform and innovation in Nigeria's electricity sector, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Engr. Dr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission NERC.
At just 39 years old, Engr. Ramat brings a rare blend of engineering depth, public sector innovation, and digital transformation expertise to the Commission. His appointment signals a renewed commitment to regulatory excellence, consumer protection, and investor confidence within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry NESI.
A multidisciplinary STEM professional and strategic governance expert, Engr. Ramat holds a PhD in Strategic Management from Lincoln University, a Master's degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from India, and a B.Eng in Electrical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano. He also holds a suite of executive certifications from world-class institutions, including Harvard University Big Data Analytics, Civil Engagement, Google Workshop Administration, Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert, and Gonzaga University Power Transmission and Distribution Systems.
As Executive Chairman of Ungogo LGA 2021-2024, Engr. Ramat championed Nigeria's first blockchain-based decentralized e-identity system, facilitating the issuance of tamper-proof indigene and resident ID cards. He established the Ungogo Identity Management Agency UIMA and the Ungogo Internal Revenue Agency UIRA to streamline governance and enhance fiscal efficiency.
Under his leadership, UIRA deployed a cloud-based ERP solution that increased internally generated revenue by over 300, setting a new benchmark for digital revenue administration in local governance. Prior to this, as Managing Director of the Kano State Metropolitan Agency KASMA, he led the implementation of energy-efficient retrofits to reduce power costs in public infrastructure.