Profile of Abdullahi Garba, newly appointed NERC chairman

Abdullah Garba Ramat is a Nigerian engineer, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and public servant, recently appointed as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) by President Bola Tinubu.

Background

A native of Kano State, Ramat was born on July 27, 1985, he began his academic journey at a local community primary school before advancing to Government Technical College, Ungogo, for his junior secondary education.

He later obtained his Senior Secondary School Certificate from Dawakin Tofa Science College.

Following this, he enrolled in the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme at the College of Art, Science and Remedial Studies, Kano, which enabled his admission to Bayero University, Kano.

There, he graduated with a second-class upper division in Electrical Engineering.

His quest for further knowledge took him to Jodhpur International University in India, where he earned a master’s degree in Telecommunications.

He is currently pursuing a PhD in Communication and Wireless Networks at VIT, Jaipur, India.

Career

While still a university student in 2008, Ramat founded AG RAMAT GLOBAL LINKS, a tech company initially focused on IT and computer services.

Over time, the company expanded its footprint, establishing branches in Nigeria, Chad, India, and Dubai.

It diversified into agriculture, mining, and import/export while retaining its core focus on computing and electronic gadgets.

Humanitarian work

Driven by a deep sense of social responsibility, Ramat established the Ramat Foundation to support the underprivileged. The foundation has:

Returned over 500 school dropouts to the classroom.

Donated 200,000 writing materials to primary school pupils in Kano.

Constructed an Islamic school in Zaura and completed a primary school project in Rangaza Ward.

Organized free medical outreaches and provided drugs to rural communities.

Renovated and built new healthcare blocks in Minjibir and Danrimi hospitals.

Partnered with Multipro Inc., India, to donate free artificial limbs to 200 amputees in 2018.

Public Service and political career

In 2018, Ramat ventured into politics, contesting for a seat in the House of Representatives to represent the Ungogo and Minjibir Constituency under the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).

Although unsuccessful, his campaign positioned the PRP as a significant opposition force.

His political drive and grassroots mobilization did not go unnoticed. He was appointed by the then Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as the Director-General of the newly created Kano State Metropolitan Agency, making him the youngest individual to head a state agency.

In this role, he supervised urban beautification and street lighting projects across the Kano metropolis.

Personal life

Engr. Ramat is happily married and blessed with two children.

He continues to inspire young Nigerians through his dedication to service, education, and entrepreneurship.

Appointment

In recognition of his accomplishments and leadership, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed him as Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), where he is expected to bring innovation and discipline to the power sector.