President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent appointment of Engr. (Dr.) Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) marks a defining moment in Nigeria’s power sector. At just 39, Ramat has already built an impressive career that blends engineering expertise, entrepreneurial ventures, public service, and community development.
From a modest beginning in Kano State, he has navigated academia, business, and politics with a clear drive for innovation. His new role at NERC places him in charge of regulating electricity operations, safeguarding consumer interests, and creating investor-friendly policies across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
Early Education and Academic
Born on 27 July 1985, Abdullahi Garba Ramat began his education at a community primary school in his hometown. His junior secondary years were spent at Government Technical College, Ungogo, before he earned his secondary school certificate from Dawakin Tofa Science College.
Determined to pursue higher learning, he completed an IJMB Programme at the College of Arts, Science and Remedial Studies, Kano, which paved the way for his admission to Bayero University, Kano. Graduating with a Second Class Upper degree in Electrical Engineering, he displayed an entrepreneurial spirit early on, founding AG Ramat Global Links in 2008 while still an undergraduate.
His academic journey did not stop there. He proceeded to Jodhpur International University, India, for a master’s degree in Telecommunications, later earning a PhD in Strategic Management from Lincoln University. Alongside these qualifications, he completed multiple executive certifications from prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Microsoft, Google, and Gonzaga University. These programs equipped him with skills in big data analytics, civic engagement, power transmission, and advanced cloud solutions.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Ramat’s first company, AG Ramat Global Links, initially focused on IT and computer solutions but gradually expanded into agriculture, mining, and import/export while retaining its core expertise in hardware, software, and tech devices.
His business portfolio later grew to include AG Ramat Global Apex, broadening his engineering and technology offerings to clients in Nigeria, Chad, India, and Dubai. This international reach has strengthened his understanding of diverse markets and modern business practices.
Governance and Public Service
His transition into public service began after an unsuccessful bid in 2018 to represent Ungogo and Minjibir Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives under the People’s Redemption Party (PRP). Despite the loss, his grassroots mobilization efforts caught the attention of then-Kano State Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who appointed him as Managing Director of the Kano State Metropolitan Agency.
In that role, Ramat focused on energy retrofitting in public facilities to reduce power consumption. He also spearheaded beautification and street lighting projects across Kano metropolis.
Between 2021 and 2024, he served as Executive Chairman of Ungogo Local Government Area, where his tenure was marked by bold digital reforms. He introduced Nigeria’s first blockchain-based decentralized e-identity system, enabling secure and tamper-proof issuance of indigene and residency ID cards.
To institutionalize these efforts, he created the Ungogo Identity Management Agency (UIMA) and the Ungogo Internal Revenue Agency (UIRA). The UIRA deployed a cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that boosted internally generated revenue by over 300 percent, setting a benchmark for local governance efficiency.
Technological and Security Solutions
Ramat’s forward-thinking approach also extended to community safety. He developed the LURA surveillance platform, integrating Internet of Things (IoT) devices, biometrics, and real-time analytics to improve local security monitoring and emergency response.
This blend of technology and governance has been a hallmark of his leadership style, and it aligns closely with NERC’s need for data-driven regulation in the power sector.
Philanthropy and Humanitarian Work
Beyond his business and political roles, Ramat established the Ramat Foundation to address educational and healthcare challenges in underserved communities. The foundation has re-enrolled over 500 out-of-school children, provided 200,000 writing materials to primary schools, built an Islamic school in Zaura, and completed a primary school in Rangaza Ward.
In healthcare, the foundation has organized free medical outreaches, distributed essential drugs, and constructed or renovated primary health centers, particularly in rural areas. In 2018, working with Multipro Inc. of India, the foundation donated artificial limbs to 200 amputees at no cost.
Awards
His efforts have earned him both national and international recognition. In 2022, the Pan African Youth Leadership Foundation named him among the “50 Most Influential Young African Leaders.” The Kano State House of Assembly also honored him as the “Best Performing Local Government Chairman.”
These accolades show his impact across governance, innovation, and social development, reinforcing the credibility he now brings to his role at NERC.
Personal Life: Wife & Children
Ramat is married with two children and maintains strong connections to his local roots in Ungogo. Known for his focus on results rather than publicity, he balances his professional commitments with family life and continued involvement in community projects.
Vision at NERC
Upon his appointment, Ramat expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, noting the transition from leading a single local government to overseeing electricity regulation for all 774 LGAs in Nigeria. His track record suggests that he will prioritize modernizing NERC’s regulatory tools, boosting transparency, and ensuring that consumer and investor interests remain at the forefront of sector reforms.
With his blend of technical skills, governance experience, and entrepreneurial agility, Ramat steps into this national role equipped to address the challenges of Nigeria’s electricity supply industry.
For a similar profile of a Nigerian business leader, readers can check the detailed account of Musa Danjuma’s biography and career.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
