Tajudeen inaugurates probe committee for power sector investment from 2007-2024

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen has inaugurated an Ad hoc Committee to probe government investments in power sector in the last 17 years.

Tajudeen said during the inauguration of the committee on Friday in Abuja that the house is out to correct the wrongs that had plagued the nation’s power sector over the years.

He said that the probe is meant to ensure steady power supply in the country.

The speaker said that the Nigeria’s power sector had undergone serious challenges that hindered growth and inefficiency.

He said that the house owed Nigerians constitutional duty to ensure that the reforms achieved enhanced service delivery, increase capacity and improve infrastructure are not just on paper, but effectively implemented and yielding the desired results.

“Electricity as we all know is the life-wire 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 the productivity, quality of life and our collective economy.

“Regrettably, the Nigerian power sector has witnessed numerous challenges that had hindered its growth and efficiency.

“It is about time we looked into the reforms implemented over the past 17 years, to understand their successes and shortcomings, to ensure that we create path that benefits all citizens,” he said.

Tajudeen said that the establishment of the ad hoc committee was only timely and necessary as it is the responsibility of the house to the people as stipulated in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution and Order 20 Rule 7 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives.

He explained that the sections empowered the National Assembly to conduct investigations and inquiries into the conduct of affairs of government ministries, departments and agencies.

“Therefore, we must ask ourselves: Have these reforms fulfilled their promises? Have they led to the expected improvements in service delivery? And most importantly, have they been executed with integrity and in the best interest of our citizens?

“As we embark on this important journey, I urge all members of the committee to approach their duties with diligence, openness and a commitment to the truth.

“Your work will be crucial in shaping the future of our power sector and by extension, the policy formulation of the sector.

“I encourage you to engage with stakeholders, listen to the voices of the people and be fearless in your pursuit of the truth,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Ibrahim Aliyu (APC-Sokoto), said that the task before the committee was to conduct an audit and investigate Nigeria’s Power Sector Reforms and Expenditure from 2007 to 2024.

He assured that the committee will critically examine investments in the sector that has profound implications for the nation’s development.

The rep. said that journey of Nigeria’s power sector over the last two decades had been marked by ambitious goals and substantial investments but with persistent challenges.

According to him, the reforms introduced were intended to revitalise our energy landscape, spur economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.

“However, the reality on the ground tells a more 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 expenditures during the period of 2007 to 2024.

“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 had hampered our progress.

“The task ahead of us is immense and it necessitates a collaborative approach. We are committed to engaging with all relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, civil society and the Nigerian public at large.

“Transparency, objectivity and diligence will be the cornerstones of our proceedings. As we embark on this investigative hearing, we shall be guided by an unwavering commitment to the truth.

“Our objective is not merely to identify problems but to propose actionable solutions that can drive genuine and sustainable improvements in our power sector,” he said.

The chairman said that it was essential that a robust framework that safeguards public resources and delivers on the promises of improved power supply for every Nigerian is built.