Reps summon ministers over $2bn energy fund

The Nigerian House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, led by Chairman Afam Ogene, is set to continue its investigation into the use of over $2 billion in investments and grants aimed at advancing renewable energy in Nigeria.

The investigation, which began on November 5, 2024, will see key government officials, including the Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; Science, Technology, and Innovation, Uche Nnaji; and Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, appear before the committee on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

The committee is investigating how funds allocated for renewable energy projects have been utilized since 2015. Despite substantial investments in the sector, Nigeria’s power supply has shown little improvement, with the committee questioning why the situation has worsened rather than improved.

The hearing is part of an investigation authorized by the National Assembly on June 6, 2024, to examine the roles of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in managing investments, grants, and procurements related to the renewable energy sector.

The initial session on Tuesday saw a disappointing turnout, as none of the invited ministers attended in person, opting instead to send representatives. However, many of these representatives were sent back, as the committee insisted on direct attendance from the officials themselves.

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Chairman Ogene expressed his dissatisfaction with the ministers’ absence and urged them to make an appearance on Wednesday. The committee reminded all concerned that the power to summon public officials for investigation lies with the National Assembly, underscoring the importance of accountability in the handling of public funds.

He said, “Let me state this again: Section 81 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended) provides that ‘Each House of the National Assembly shall have power by resolution published in its journal or in the official Gazette of the Government of the Federation to direct an investigation into any matter or thing with respect to which it has the power to make laws.”

He added that this power includes probing into “the conduct of affairs of any person, authority, Ministry or government department charged, or intended to be charged, with the duty of or responsibility for executing or administering monies appropriated or to be appropriated by the National Assembly.”

At the commencement of the hearing, Ogene called on the Budget and Economic Planning to appear before the committee to make his presentation. However, a director in the ministry, Felix Okonkwo, appeared on behalf of the minister.

Asked if he had the mandate of the minister to speak, Okonkwo said, “I can take some responsibilities but not all.”

Not pleased with the remark, Ogene urged him to go back and inform his principal to physically appear on Wednesday.

“Tell your minister to appear before this committee on Wednesday. It is not meant to witch-hunt anybody. A situation where invitations are sent about three times to heads of MDAs and they would still not appear to make their presentations is not acceptable,” he said.

The story was no different when Deputy Director of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Suleiman Abubakar, stood in for the minister.

Asked if he was delegated to speak for the minister, Suleiman said his directorate mandated him to attend the investigative hearing.

Ruling on the development, Ogene said, “You have no locus to stand in for the Minister. He should appear in person on Wednesday. We wrote to the Minister, not a directorate.”

Also expected at the investigative hearing on Wednesday are the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Union Bank of Nigeria, Niger Delta Power Holding Company and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.