A consumer rights body has taken its concerns to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), accusing two nominees at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) of stepping into office without the required Senate approval.

In its petition, the Utilities Consumers Rights Advocacy Initiative said Abdullahi Garba Ramat, named chairman-designate of NERC, and Yusuf Abubakar, a commissioner-designate, resumed duties on August 8 despite not completing the constitutionally required confirmation process.

The group described the move as a clear breach of the Electricity Act 2023, which states that NERC appointments must be both nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

Presidency’s Warning Overlooked

The controversy follows a clarification from the Presidency on August 7, which stressed that Ramat and the other nominees could not take office until the Senate confirmed them. The petitioners argue that the two men ignored that directive and assumed office anyway, raising questions about the rule of law.

Concerns for Nigeria’s Power Sector

The advocacy group warned that decisions taken by the unconfirmed officials may later be declared invalid, creating uncertainty in a sector already struggling with stability and investor confidence.

Legal experts agree the petition carries weight, noting that Senate confirmation is not symbolic but a constitutional safeguard to prevent executive overreach.

Call for Action

The petition urges the AGF to act quickly by reversing the officials’ resumption until the confirmation process is completed.

So far, the AGF’s office has not issued any response.