The Niger Delta Youth Vanguard has called on the leadership of the Senate and all relevant stakeholders to immediately conclude the ratification process of Mr. Abdullahi Ramat as the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The National Coordinator of the group, Osarodion Darlington in a statement issued Friday said after being screened and cleared by the Senate Committee on Power, the refusal of the Senate leadership to complete the process was unjustifiable and harmful to Nigeria’s electricity reform agenda.
He noted that holding this appointment to ransom was equivalent to holding Nigeria’s power sector hostage, stressing that such actions undermine public trust and hinder the progress that this administration is working to achieve.
The group stressed that this delay, allegedly influenced by powerful interests within the leadership of the National Assembly, was not only a direct disregard of the constitutional powers of the President, but also a deliberate obstruction of the ongoing electricity reform agenda aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s power sector.
The group, therefore, expressed deep concern and strong dissatisfaction over the continued delay in the inauguration of Ramat as the Chairman of NERC.
It added: “The continued delay in ratifying and inaugurating Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has raised serious concerns across the country.
“After being duly screened and cleared by the Senate Committee on Power, the refusal of the Senate leadership to complete the process is unjustifiable and harmful to Nigeria’s electricity reform agenda.
“For decades, Nigeria has suffered from crippling power challenges. The appointment of Engr. Garba is a strategic move by President Tinubu to reposition the sector, bring competence, transparency, and improved regulatory efficiency.
“Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat is not just qualified—he is exceptionally experienced and deeply grounded in the technical, administrative, and policy frameworks required to manage and reform the electricity regulatory environment.”
The group added that Ramat’s track record of service, leadership, and professional integrity is well known across Nigeria’s energy sector, saying it was for this reason that Mr. President found him worthy of this critical national assignment.
It stated: “We therefore strongly demand that the leadership of the Senate and all relevant stakeholders immediately conclude the ratification process and allow Engr. Garba to resume office without further delay.
“Holding this appointment to ransom is equivalent to holding Nigeria’s power sector hostage. Such actions undermine public trust and hinder the progress that this administration is working to achieve.”
The group maintained that it stands firmly with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a renewed Nigeria, saying it would not fold it hands while legitimate national progress is being sabotaged by vested interests.