Abuja: The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the utilisation of appropriated funds for electricity reform from 2007 to 2024, which led to the unbundling of the National Electric Power Authority, NEPA. The House has decided to set up an Ad-Hoc committee to conduct a comprehensive and forensic audit into all funds allocated and expended on the implementation of the electric power sector reform program from 2007 to 2024.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the House also resolved to conduct an investigation into the activities of transmission companies and to ascertain the effectiveness or otherwise of the privatized power sector to the country. The House agreed to invite the Minister of Power, the Managing Director of the General Bulk Electricity Trading PLC, Heads of Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, Royal Electrification Agency, and other relevant stakeholders to appear before the committee to provide details and justification for the funds received and spent.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of Matters of Urgent National Importance moved by Mr. Bassey Ekpenyong at plenary. Leading the debate on the matter, Mr. Ekpenyong called for an investigation and forensic audit of the activities, accounts, and funds appropriated. He noted that over these 18 years, from 2007 to 2024, ‘no proper audit has been conducted on by this house on the impact assessment and expenditure by the MDA implementing the programme,’ he stated.
The House has mandated the committee to examine the terms and conditions of all loans and grants received for the power sectors and to verify the status of all projects captured under the programme. In adopting the motion, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, referred the motion to an Ad-Hoc committee to investigate and report findings and recommendations to the House within 12 weeks for consideration and further legislative action.