111
By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee examining Nigeria’s power sector reforms and spending from 2007 to 2024 has raised alarm over what it described as a worrisome and persistent refusal by key government institutions and private operators to honour its invitations or submit requested documents.
Speaking during its reconvened investigative hearing on Friday, the committee chairman, Arch. Ibrahim Almustapha Aliyu, voiced deep frustration that lawmakers had waited for more than two hours without the appearance of a single invited stakeholder, despite lining up sessions with seven ministries, agencies, and electricity companies.
Aliyu said the empty meeting room reflected blatant disrespect for the National Assembly and a deliberate effort to hinder a constitutionally sanctioned inquiry into nearly twenty years of reforms and trillions of naira budgeted for the electricity sector.
“We fixed today’s sitting for 11 a.m., and by 12:30 p.m., not a single stakeholder has shown up,” he said. “Committee members have been seated here patiently, yet those who ought to provide explanations are nowhere to be found. This cannot be tolerated.”
Although a handful of organisations sent letters requesting more time, Aliyu stressed that many others had simply ignored all correspondence, failing to acknowledge receipt or offer reasons for their absence. He noted that such poor cooperation was slowing down the probe and raising doubts about openness in the sector.
He added that the committee had painstakingly ensured all letters were delivered, even resolving issues around incorrect contact details, yet several bodies still failed to respond or forward relevant documents.
As the unproductive session wound down, Aliyu hinted that the continued absence of stakeholders appeared coordinated.
“It is becoming evident that some actors are deliberately evading this inquiry,” he said. “Let it be clearly stated: the National Assembly will not be disregarded. No organisation has the privilege of choosing which invitation to respect. This committee will not be sidelined.”
He directed the secretariat to compile a detailed compliance register listing acknowledgements, submissions, and appearances. The register, he explained, would determine the committee’s next steps and keep Nigerians informed about the level of cooperation received.
Aliyu also cautioned that the committee was prepared to activate its constitutional powers if the trend continued.
“If this conduct persists, we will issue formal summons and take every legally permitted step,” he warned. “Accountability is compulsory. This investigation is in the interest of the nation.”
He reiterated the committee’s commitment to uncover how huge federal investments meant for revamping the power sector were utilised, and why Nigerians still suffer unstable electricity supply despite repeated reforms.
“This task is far too important to be treated casually,” he said. “We will trace every fund released, every contract awarded, every project implemented, and every commitment made under the guise of reform.”
Other committee members also expressed their displeasure, noting that the repeated no-shows fit into a pattern of agencies undermining legislative oversight. They urged the chairman to adopt stronger enforcement mechanisms, including summons and other constitutional tools, to ensure compliance.