The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy has launched a critical investigative hearing, summoning key ministers to address alleged mismanagement of over $2 billion earmarked for renewable energy initiatives.
The hearing, which began on Tuesday and extends through Wednesday, centers on the use of significant investments and grants aimed at advancing Nigeria’s renewable energy sector since 2015.
Ministers set to appear before the committee include Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; Uche Nnaji, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation; and Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning. Chaired by Afam Ogene, representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State, the committee seeks to evaluate the transparency and effectiveness of fund allocations across the ministries and associated government agencies involved in the renewable energy sector.
This inquiry, ordered by the House on June 6, 2024, stems from growing concerns about Nigeria’s ongoing power challenges despite substantial financial support.
Lawmakers have voiced frustration over the gap between investment levels and tangible progress, casting doubt on whether funds are being properly managed or allocated.
“The funds and grants allocated to develop renewable energy should translate into enhanced energy access for all Nigerians,” Ogene noted last week.
“Yet we continue to see little progress, with many regions still facing chronic power shortages.”
At the start of the investigative hearing on Tuesday, none of the ministers attended in person, instead sending representatives who were largely dismissed and asked to return to their offices.
Expressing disappointment over the low turnout, Committee Chairman Ogene insisted that the ministers and other key government officials must attend the hearing in person on Wednesday.
The Labour Party lawmaker had reminded the representatives that the National Assembly holds the constitutional authority to summon public officials for investigation.
“Section 81 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria grants each House of the National Assembly the power to investigate matters on which it can legislate, as published in the official Gazette,” he stated.
He emphasised that this authority extends to examining “the conduct of any person, authority, ministry, or department responsible for administering funds allocated by the National Assembly.”
At the hearing, Ogene called on the Budget and Economic Planning Ministry to make its presentation, but only a director, Felix Okonkwo, appeared on behalf of the minister.
When asked if he had the minister’s mandate to represent him, Okonkwo responded, “I can assume some responsibilities but not all.”
Dissatisfied, Ogene instructed Okonkwo to inform the minister to attend in person on Wednesday.
“Tell your minister to appear before this committee on Wednesday. This is not a witch-hunt, but it is unacceptable that MDA heads ignore invitations repeatedly,” he said.
However, when the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Suleiman Abubakar, stood in for his minister, he acknowledged he was sent by his directorate.
Ogene responded firmly, “You have no authority to stand in for the Minister. We wrote directly to the Minister.”
The Committee expects the following officials at Wednesday’s hearing: Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas); representatives from the Office of the Accountant General; Union Bank of Nigeria; and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.
……….
Note : To submit Press Releases, Statements, and Advert Inquiries for publication on Waffi blog (website) or Television 📺, please use the following contact details: You can send an email to info@waffitv.com or reach us via Whatsapp at 07068286500
