By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas has assured of the determination of the House to correct the wrongs that had plagued the electricity sector in the last 17 years.
The speaker, who spoke at the commencement of investigation into the power sector reforms, regretted that the sector had undergone serious challenges that had hindered growth and inefficiency.
He assured that the House would carry out investigation of government’s investments in the sector.
The speaker represented by Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Mike Etaba, said the House owes it to Nigerians to ensure that the reforms intended to enhance service delivery, increase capacity and improve infrastructure, are not just on paper, but are effectively implemented and yield the desired results
He noted that “electricity as we all know, is the lifeblood of modern civilisation as no nation attains sustainable progress without reliable power supply. From our factories to our schools, our hospitals to our homes, electricity determines 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 in the last 17 years to understand their successes and shortcomings, and to ensure that we pave a path that benefits all citizens.
“The establishment of this ad-hoc committee is timely and necessary; it was formed in recognition of our responsibility to the people pursuant to the provisions of Section 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and Order 20 Rule 7 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives which empowers the National Assembly to conduct investigations and inquiries into the conduct of government ministries, departments, and agencies.”
In his remarks, Chairmam of the ad-hoc committee, Ibrahim Aliyu said the task before the committee is to conduct an audit and investigate power sector reforms and expenditure from 2007 to 2024, assuring that they would critically examine investments in the sector that have profound implications for 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 were intended to revitalise our energy landscape, spur economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.
“However, the reality on ground tells a 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 expenditure from 2007-2024, in line with Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which empowers 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,” Aliyu said.
