There was mild drama on Friday at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) headquarters in Abuja as chairman-designate, Abdullahi Garba Ramat, resumed duties despite the absence of Senate confirmation.

Naijaonpoint reports that Ramat’s arrival, accompanied by a large entourage of political supporters, came barely 24 hours after a statement from the Presidency announcing his nomination and later revising an earlier directive that he should assume office in an acting capacity before legislative approval.

He was received by the commission’s Vice Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, alongside other commissioners, before a brief handover session was held.

On Thursday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had initially stated that Ramat would take charge in an acting capacity pending confirmation by the Senate.

However, the statement was later updated to remove that clause, clarifying that the acting chairman would remain in office until the Senate approved the new appointment.

The revised statement read in part, “President Bola Tinubu has nominated Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the new Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)… All nominations are subject to Senate confirmation. The commission’s acting chairman will continue in office until the confirmation of the new chairman-designate.”

The President also nominated Abubakar Yusuf as Commissioner of Consumer Affairs and Dr. Fouad Olayinka Animashun as Commissioner of Finance and Management Services.

Addressing journalists after his resumption, Ramat thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity and pledged to work towards improving the country’s power sector.

He said, “We thank Mr. President for giving us such a wonderful opportunity. This is a new environment for us, and we are here to learn. We will review all relevant documents and processes to better understand the system before taking action.

“We know change won’t happen overnight, but with collective effort, we can enhance the efficiency of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. We are aware of the challenges Nigerians face, and it will not be business as usual. Distribution and generation companies must do the right things.”

The development has raised concerns about adherence to due process, as Nigerian law stipulates that appointments, such as that of the NERC chairman, require Senate confirmation before the individual assumes duties.