The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating expenditure in Nigeria’s power sector has directed the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to appear before it, alongside core investors, over electricity supply challenges in the country.
The Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Ibrahim Al-Mustapha Aliyu, gave the directive following the appearance and submission of the Director General (DG) of BPE, Mr. Ayodeji Gbeleyi, during a continuation of the investigative hearing held in Abuja.
He said the Committee will invite the co-investors through the BPE, stressing that the agencies have a responsibility to explain matters to both the Committee and Nigerians.
The Chairman also stressed that the President is making efforts to ensure settlements are done to improve the situation.
“The Committee wants to get to the root of the matter, resolve it, and move forward,” he added, noting progress in power generation compared to previous years.
He noted that the collapse of some transmission systems is partly due to ageing installations and the withdrawal of a Canadian firm, affecting service delivery.
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In his submission, the DG BPE, Mr. Ayodeji Gbeleyi, said that at the time of privatisation, Kainji and Jebba hydro power plants had a combined output of about 600 MW, which now delivers 1,100 MW to the grid, nearly 20% from a single operator.
He added that the sector is gradually improving compared to the era of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
“They may not be where we want them to be, but trust me, sir, we are beginning to see a turnaround in the sector. All critical stakeholders are working hard in a manner that we continue to improve on the overall performance of the sector” Mr. Gbeleyi added.
PIAK