Protesters storm National Assembly, demand swift confirmation of NERC chair nominee

‎Scores of protesters, comprising supporters of the nominee, civil society groups, and activists, stormed the National Assembly on Tuesday, November 11, demanding the Senate conclude the confirmation of Engr. Abdullahi Ramat as the Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
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The demonstration follows the Senate’s decision in October to step down Ramat’s confirmation despite his successful screening. The protesters allege that certain vested interests and politically motivated petitions are working to block the credible appointment, while the Senate insists the delay is due to public and private complaints regarding his suitability.
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Ramat was nominated by President Bola Tinubu, screened successfully by the Senate Committee on Power, but his confirmation was abruptly stepped down from the Order Paper on October 22, 2025, without explanation.
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The agitation comes just four days after the Senate threatened legal action against former Presidential aide Alwan Hassan, who had publicly alleged that lawmakers demanded a $10 million bribe to block Ramat’s confirmation. The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, strongly denied the bribery claims, dismissing them as baseless, calling Hassan a “hand-tool” of Ramat.
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The Senate has maintained that the delay is purely procedural, due to public and private complaints over the suitability of the nominee, and vowed not to be pressured into confirming any nominee “under a cloud of public concern”. Ramat’s nomination remains suspended amid national frustration over electricity tariffs and poor power supply.
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