Reps Dismiss Corruption Allegations Against NELMCO

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has dismissed allegations of corruption levelled against the Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company, NELMCO by a civil society group.

The Association for Public Policy Analysis (APPA), led by its president, Princewill Okorie, had accused NELMCO of financial mismanagement and questioned the agency’s continued operation more than a decade after the privatization of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN

But at a resumed investigative hearing in Abuja, Deputy Chairman of the Committee Dabo Ismail, who also doubles as the Chairman Sub-committee on the protection of Critical National Assets said the committee launched an investigation and found no wrongdoing.

“We took the allegations seriously and asked NELMCO to provide documentation. The Nigerian Electricity Act 2023 clearly empowers NELMCO to manage the liabilities and assets of PHCN and its successor companies. We verified this and found it to be accurate.”

One of the allegations centered around a reported N94 million expenditure on a five-day retreat in Lagos. NELMCO’s Managing Director, Mojoyinoluwa Dekalu-Thomas, defended the spending, stating it covered accommodation, logistics, flights, and feeding for 25 participants, including top government officials and facilitators.

“We have both pictorial and documentary evidence. The Minister of Power was present throughout the retreat.”

The Committee members backed the explanation with one lawmaker explaining that a standard room at the Eko Signature Hotel in Lagos costs N650,000 per night, making the amount “reasonable.”

A member of the committee Billy Osawaru from Edo State said since the funds were appropriated by the National Assembly, there was no need for further deliberation.

The committee also found no evidence supporting APPA’s claim that NELMCO purchased an office in northern Nigeria.

Ismail said the committee remained open to reviewing any future petitions from the public, affirming its commitment to accountability.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji