HOR Summons Power Minister, Seeks Explanation On Billions Spent On Reforms

The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Power and the heads of key electricity agencies to account for billions of naira spent on power sector reforms between 2007 and 2024.

The move followed a motion sponsored by a member from
Cross River State,
Bassey Ekpenyong who told lawmakers at plenary that despite heavy government spending, the country still struggles with unreliable electricity and poor service delivery.

In his lead debate, Mr Ekpenyong explained that the 2005 reform law led to the breakup of the National Electric Power Authority and the privatization of its successor, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, into separate generation, transmission, and distribution companies.

The lawmaker expressed worry that despite these changes, no comprehensive audit had been carried out to determine the effectiveness of the reforms or the utilization of funds, including loans, grants, and subsidies

Adopting the motion, the house resolved to constitute an adhoc committee to investigate the activities of power distribution and transmission firms, review tariff and remittance systems, and evaluate the performance of the privatized sector.

The committee is expected to submit its report within 12 weeks for further legislative action.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji