By Mercy Aikoye
The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating Nigeria’s power sector reforms and expenditure has summoned the Managing Directors of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and Jos Electricity Distribution Company. The committee expressed strong dissatisfaction over their absence at a hearing to probe their operations.
The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Al-Mustapha Ibrahim, stressed that the absence of the Discos’ chief executives undermined the purpose of the investigation. “There is no way we can move forward without hearing directly from the Managing Directors,” Ibrahim said.
The committee was constituted to address Nigeria’s persistent power challenges, which have continued to slow national development despite over a decade of power sector privatisation. The committee wants the Discos to explain their operations, investments, and utilisation of government interventions.
Ibrahim noted that distribution companies remain critical stakeholders whose performance directly affects electricity supply to consumers. He cited submissions from the Transmission Company of Nigeria, which revealed that Nigeria has never generated up to 13,300 megawatts of electricity at any time.
The chairman asked, “The big question is why Nigerians are still in darkness.” He added that Discos must explain why communities and individuals are still forced to buy transformers and other infrastructure that should ordinarily be their responsibility.
The committee unanimously rejected the representation and insisted that only the Managing Directors could adequately address the issues raised. Hon. Olajide Mohammed moved a motion for the meeting to be adjourned to 5th February, directing the Discos to reappear with their Managing Directors.
The chairman upheld the amended motion, warning that failure to comply with the committee’s directive would attract the full instrumentality of the House. “If they continue to evade this investigation, it raises serious questions about their capacity, commitment, and ability to deliver effective power supply after 13 years of privatisation,” Ibrahim said.
The committee adjourned proceedings to 5th February, reaffirming its resolve to uncover the root causes of Nigeria’s electricity crisis and ensure accountability in the power sector. The committee is determined to get answers from the Discos and hold them accountable for their actions.
