The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy has summoned key ministers, including Agriculture and Food Security Minister Abubakar Kyari, Science and Technology Minister Uche Nnaji, and Budget and Economic Planning Minister Atiku Bagudu, to appear in person on Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation into the utilization of over $2 billion invested in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector since 2015.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the committee, led by Afam Ogene of Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra State, is examining how the funds and grants directed toward renewable energy have been managed, particularly in light of Nigeria’s worsening power supply despite these investments.
Last week, the committee highlighted that despite substantial funding, the nation’s power situation has not improved, raising questions about accountability in the sector.
The investigative hearings, scheduled for November 5 and 6, 2024, follow a mandate given to the committee on June 6, 2024, to probe relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) involved in renewable energy projects. However, at the hearing’s commencement on Tuesday, the summoned ministers sent representatives in their stead, a move that disappointed the committee.
Ogene expressed frustration over the absence of the ministers and the lack of authority of their delegates, reminding them of the National Assembly’s constitutional power to summon public officials for investigations. Citing Section 81 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution, he emphasized the Assembly’s right to investigate the conduct and expenditure of public funds.
Instructing a director from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to notify the minister of his expected presence, Ogene said, “It’s unacceptable for heads of MDAs to ignore multiple invitations.”
Also expected at Wednesday’s hearing are officials from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas), the Office of the Accountant General, Union Bank of Nigeria, and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.
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