Tinubu Names Oseni as New NERC Chairman; Ramat Exits

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Mulisiu Oseni as the new Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), following the confirmation of the Commission’s board members by the Senate.

This appointment signals a shift in Tinubu’s initial choice, as it replaces Abdullahi Ramat, whom the President had originally nominated for the role in August.

Ramat, a former chairman of the Ungogo Local Government Area in Kano State, was proposed for the NERC leadership position on August 7, after the exit of the previous chairman, Sanusi Garba. However, despite being nominated, Ramat made a dramatic entrance at NERC’s Abuja headquarters, attempting to take over the chairmanship without awaiting Senate confirmation. Accompanied by political allies and security personnel, including a man in military attire, Ramat’s actions raised concerns among industry stakeholders. A handover ceremony, which took place on August 8, saw Oseni receive Ramat in the NERC office, though the situation quickly drew public backlash, leading Ramat to retreat.

After waiting for weeks, Ramat’s confirmation by the Senate was stalled, due to multiple petitions against his nomination. There were even claims from some of his supporters that $10 million was allegedly paid to prevent his confirmation. This sparked protests from a Kano-based civil advocacy group, the Grassroots Initiative Concept, urging the Senate to fast-track Ramat’s approval.

However, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, dismissed the $10 million claim as unfounded. According to reports, Adaramodu explained that Ramat’s confirmation was suspended due to a growing list of public and private complaints regarding his nomination.