By Mercy Aikoye
The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy has summoned top government officials to answer questions about Nigeria’s investments in renewable energy. These officials include Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and Minister of Budget and Economic Development, Atiku Bagudu.
The summon was issued by Chairman of the House Committee, Victor Afam Ogene, during a 2-day investigative public hearing at the National Assembly. Other agencies and corporate entities invited to the hearing include Energy Commission of Nigeria, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd, and the Rural Electrification Agency.
Additionally, the Ministry of Mines and Blue Economy, Nigeria Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd, United Bank for Africa, Union Bank, and the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation have also been invited to appear before the committee.
Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, emphasized the importance of unraveling the federal government’s investments in the renewable energy sector. He noted that since 2015, Nigeria has attracted millions of dollars in the sector, and the hearing aims to identify how the parliament can address power sector challenges.
Chairman Ogene clarified that the investigative hearing is not a witch hunt, but rather an effort to promote transparency and accountability. He stressed that any funds received by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) or private sector players must be accounted for in the public interest.
However, most of the invited ministers and heads of MDAs were absent from the hearing, prompting a motion to summon them to appear before the committee. The motion was moved by Hon. Joe Onuakalusi and seconded by another member.
Consequently, Chairman Ogene ruled that the summoned officials must appear before the House Committee on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 1:00 pm. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, had earlier informed the committee of his absence and promised to appear on November 6.
The House Committee on Renewable Energy was established in the 10th National Assembly to promote objectivity and transparency in the sector. Chairman Ogene assured stakeholders that the committee is committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in the renewable energy sector.
The investigative hearing is a significant step towards promoting Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy and addressing the country’s power sector challenges. By holding government officials accountable, the committee aims to ensure that investments in renewable energy are effective and beneficial to the nation.
The hearing is expected to continue on November 6, with the summoned officials appearing before the committee to provide insights into Nigeria’s renewable energy investments.
