By Gloria Ikibah
A Kano-based civil society organisation, under the auspices of Grassroots Initiative Concept, has appealed to the Nigerian Senate to swiftly confirm Engr. Ramat Abdullahi as the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), describing him as “a man of integrity, competence, and proven public service.”
In an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Deputy President of Senate, Barau Jibrin, the group voiced alarm over the Senate’s delay in confirming Abdullahi, despite his appearance before the Senate Committee on Power and his name featuring on the Order Paper for 22 October 2025. 
The letter described the situation as “surprising and deeply unsettling,” suggesting that “certain vested interests” might be behind the holdup.
“As citizens deeply invested in Nigeria’s stability and democratic growth, we believe it is both our duty and right to constructively engage the institutions that represent us and safeguard the national interest,”
the group wrote.
They emphasised that Abdullahi’s nomination was based on “his distinguished record of service, integrity, and alignment with the reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“Over the past decade, Engr. Abdullahi has served diligently and honourably in various capacities — from local governance to advisory roles within the Kano State government and private sector. His qualifications and leadership experience make him eminently suited to lead an institution as strategic as NERC,” the statement further added.
Commending President Tinubu for the appointment, the group urged the Senate to “stand on the side of fairness, patriotism, and progress” by giving Abdullahi the nod.
“Strong institutions are the foundation of a strong nation. Where institutions function with fairness and integrity, the people remain the greatest beneficiaries,” the letter noted.
Expressing faith in the National Assembly’s leadership, Grassroots Initiative Concept said Abdullahi’s confirmation would bolster confidence in the energy sector and drive national development.
“We trust in your leadership, your commitment to justice, and your fidelity to the strengthening of democratic institutions. History will thus remember this Senate for standing on the side of fairness and national interest,” the group stated.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the Kano State Governor and other key government officials.
