let g be a finite group and d(g) the minimal number of conjugacy classes that generate g. in any tame realization of g as a galois group over q there are at least d(g) ramified primes. the (tame) minimal ramification problem asks whether any group g can be realized (tamely) over q with exactly d(g) ramified primes. it has been recently proved that this problem has an affirmative answer for a substantial class of finite nilpotent groups (all finite semiabelian nilpotent groups). (joint work with hershy kisilevsky and jack sonn)