Abuja: The Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, his Science, Technology, and Innovation counterpart, Uche Nnaji, and Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, are some of the high-profile government functionaries expected to appear before the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy on Wednesday. The Committee is investigating the utilisation of over $2 billion in investment and grants for the development of renewable energy sources in Nigeria from 2015 till date.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the Committee, chaired by Afam Ogene, member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra State, argued last week that despite the substantial grants and investment in the sector, the power supply in the country has continued to worsen. The investigative hearing, scheduled for November 5 and 6, 2024, follows a mandate given to the Committee on June 6, 2024, to investigate Ministries, Departments, and Agencies involved in investments, procurement, and receipt of grants for re
newable energy sector development.
At the commencement of the investigative hearing on Tuesday, none of the ministers appeared, opting instead to send representatives, most of whom were asked to return to their offices. Expressing disappointment at the turnout, Ogene urged the concerned ministers and other government officials to appear before the Committee unfailingly on Wednesday. The Labour Party lawmaker reminded representatives of invited government officials that the power to summon public officers for investigation is vested in both chambers of the National Assembly.
Ogene highlighted Section 81 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which empowers the National Assembly to direct investigations into matters it has the power to legislate. This power includes probing the conduct of affairs of any person, authority, Ministry, or government department tasked with executing or administering monies appropriated by the National Assembly.
During the hearing, Ogene called on the Budget a
nd Economic Planning Minister to make his presentation. However, a director in the ministry, Felix Okonkwo, appeared on behalf of the minister. Not satisfied with his authority to speak on all matters, Ogene urged him to inform his principal to appear in person on Wednesday.
The situation was similar when Deputy Director of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Suleiman Abubakar, attended on behalf of the minister. Ogene ruled that Abubakar had no authority to stand in for the Minister and insisted on the Minister’s presence on Wednesday. Also expected at the hearing are the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Union Bank of Nigeria, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.