Gloria Essien Abuja
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen, says the Nigerian power sector has undergone serious challenges that have hindered growth and efficiency.
He said this at the commencement of investigations into the power sector from 2007 to 2024.
He said that the House was determined to correct the wrongs that have plagued the nation’s electricity sector in the last 17 years and would carry out an investigation of government investment in the sector.
The Speaker, represented by Chairman House Committee on Environment, Mr. Mike Etaba, said that the House owes it to Nigerians as a constitutional duty to ensure that the reforms intended to enhance service delivery, increase capacity, and improve infrastructure are not just on paper, but are effectively implemented to yield the desired results.
“Electricity, as we all know it, is the lifeblood of modern civilization, as no nation attains sustainable progress without reliable power supply. From our factories to our schools, our hospitals to our homes, electricity determines the productivity, quality of life, and our collective economy.
“Regrettably, the Nigerian power sector has witnessed numerous challenges that have hindered its growth and efficiency. It is about time we looked into the reforms implemented over the past 17 years, to understand their successes and shortcomings, and to ensure that we pave a path that benefits all citizens,” Mr Abbas said.
He noted that the establishment of the Ad-Hoc Committee is not only timely and necessary, but forms part of the House’s constitutional duties.
“In a broader context, it will be admirable if the outcome of this exercise spurs reliable and modern energy recommendations in line with Sustainable Development Goasl (SDG)7, as the world is moving toward sustainable energy solutions.
“Our investigation should consider not only the historical context but also the future we envision for our power sector—one that is sustainable, innovative, and inclusive,” he added.
The Chairman of the Ad-Hoc committee, Mr. Ibrahim Almustapha Aliyu, said the task before the committee is to conduct an audit and investigate Nigeria’s power sector reforms and expenditure from 2007 to 2024.
He assured Nigerians that the investigation will critically examine investments in the sector that have profound implications for national development.
“The journey of Nigeria’s power sector over the last two decades has been marked by ambitious goals, substantial investments, and, unfortunately, persistent challenges. The reforms introduced were intended to revitalize our energy landscape, spur economic growth, and improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.
“However, the reality on the ground tells a more complex story—one that requires thorough investigation and honest reflection.
“Our mandate is clear: to conduct a comprehensive audit and investigation into the power sector’s reforms and expenditures during the period of 2007 to 2024, in line with Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which empower the National Assembly to investigate the conduct of public officers, agencies, and institutions entrusted with public funds, and to expose inefficiency, waste, or corruption in governance.
“We aim to trace the flow of funds, assess the implementation of policies, and evaluate the effectiveness of projects and initiatives undertaken during this period. This will not only illuminate areas of success but also identify and address systemic failures and inefficiencies that have hampered our progress ,” Mr. Aliyu said.
He stressed that it is essential to build a robust framework that safeguards public resources and delivers on the promises of improved power supply for every Nigerian.
Aliyu encouraged stakeholders at the probe to collaborate with the committee to succeed.