Promise To Be Thorough As House Revisits Power Sector Reform …Says Aging Generation, Transmission, Distribution Infrastructure

By Alkassim Bala Tsakuwa, Abuja

The Chairman, House of Representatives Ad-hoc committee, Hon. Ibrahim Almustapha Aliyu has said that, the Committee will conduct an Audit and Investigate Nigeria’s Power Sector Reforms and Expenditure from 2007 to 2024.

He stated this at the resumed investigative hearing of the with stakeholders.

He assured that the committee would critically examine investments made in the sector and its implications on the nation’s development.

Hon. Aliyu said, “The journey of Nigeria’s power sector over the last two decades has been marked by ambitious goals, substantial investments, and, unfortunately, persistent challenges. 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.

“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 have 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, let us 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.

“It is essential that we build a robust framework that safeguards public resources and delivers on the promises of improved power supply for every Nigerian”.

In his opening remarks, the Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, stated that the House was determined to revisit the ‘Power Sector Reforms’ undertaken by the federal government in order to correct the wrongs and tackle the nation’s challenges in the electricity sector in the last 17 years.

The Speaker who was represented by the Chairman House Committee on Environment, Hon. Mike Etaba, said the House owed Nigerians a constitutional duty to ensure that the reforms intended to enhance service delivery, increase capacity, and improve infrastructure are not just on paper, but are effectively implemented and yielding the desired results

He said, “electricity as we all know it, is the lifeblood of modern civilization 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 have 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, and to ensure that we pave a path that benefits all citizens.

“As our constitutional duty of oversight, we owe it to Nigerians to ensure that the reforms intended to enhance service delivery, increase capacity, and improve infrastructure are not just on paper, but are effectively implemented and yielding the desired results.