…As committee remains optimistic on outcome
By Paul Effiong, Abuja
The House of Representatives has begun deliberations on a petition arising from a dispute between Abuja Power Company Limited, APCL) and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation over the proposed Gurara II Hydropower Project in Niger State.
This followed the consideration of the petition at a public hearing in Abuja, where lawmakers said the matter fell squarely within the committee’s oversight responsibilities, adding that they were keen to see projects implemented and executed for the benefit of Nigerians.
During the hearing, the committee disclosed that the petition was formally submitted by APCL through its legal representatives, challenging the Federal Government’s handling of the Gurara II project.
The project, also known as Burara II, is a proposed multipurpose dam located in Niger State, within a Federal Government irrigation dam axis off the Buarli Jere Junction road, leading towards Kaluniga and Kampacheng.
In their presentation, APCL’s lead counsel, Oluwemi Okunbi, SAN, said the company initiated the Gurara II project as far back as 2004 and had secured a Certificate of Occupancy from the Niger State Government.
The company further alleged that the title was later revoked following federal interventions aimed at transferring the project to another firm, forcing APCL to seek legal redress on two occasions.
According to the group, the prolonged legal battle has delayed the project, which was carefully designed to deliver power generation, irrigation and other socio-economic benefits to Nigerians.
In its petition, APCL urged lawmakers to declare that the concession allegedly awarded to CGC Nigeria Limited violated the Public Procurement Act, the ICRC Act and rules governing unsolicited proposals.
The company therefore asked that CGC be restrained from proceeding with the project unless APCL is offered equivalent terms, or alternatively, that APCL be compensated in line with extant laws if its proposal is rejected and the project subjected to competitive bidding.
Responding to questions from lawmakers, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, informed them that Gurara II is a proposed 360-megawatt multipurpose dam conceived after the completion of Gurara I.
He argued that the project was eventually awarded to CGC Nigeria Limited following technical and financial evaluations due to funding constraints, noting that APCL emerged on the scene after the procurement process had been concluded.
While some lawmakers raised concerns over due diligence and ownership claims, others cautioned against interfering in matters before the courts, as the committee remains resolute in settling the two parties for the benefit of all Nigerians.
