Reps Fume As Agencies, Power Firms Shun Hearing

ABUJA – The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee probing Nigeria’s power sector reforms and expenditure from 2007 to 2024 has decried what it described as a persistent and troubling pattern of non-compliance by key government agencies and private operators expected to appear before it.

Speaking during its resumed investigative hearing on Friday, the committee’s chairman, Arch. Ibrahim Almustapha Aliyu, expressed anger that members had waited for more than two hours without the presence of a single invited stakeholder, despite scheduled engagements with at least seven ministries, departments, agencies, and power companies.

Aliyu said the empty hall was not only disrespectful to the National Assembly but also a clear attempt to obstruct a constitutionally backed investigation into nearly two decades of reforms and trillions of naira reportedly injected into the electricity sector.

“We reconvened today at 11 a.m., and as of 12:30 p.m., not one stakeholder has appeared,” he lamented. “Members of this committee have been seated here for hours, yet those expected to shed light on critical issues are nowhere in sight. This level of disregard is unacceptable.”

While acknowledging that a few entities had formally sought extensions, Aliyu noted that many others had completely ignored the committee’s letters, neither acknowledging receipt nor offering explanations for their absence. He said the behaviour was impeding the investigation and raising doubts about transparency within the sector.

The chairman explained that the committee had made extensive efforts to ensure invitations were properly delivered, addressing logistical challenges such as incorrect or outdated contact information. Still, several institutions had refused to respond or provide required documents.

Toward the end of the largely stalled session, Aliyu suggested that the recurring absences appeared deliberate.

“It is becoming clear that some stakeholders are intentionally avoiding this probe,” he said. “Let it be known: the National Assembly will not be treated with levity. No agency or company will choose which invitation to obey. This committee will not be undermined.”

He instructed the committee secretariat to prepare a comprehensive compliance chart detailing acknowledgements, submissions, and appearances. The chart, he said, would guide the committee’s next steps and provide Nigerians with a transparent record of cooperation.

Aliyu further warned that the committee was ready to exercise its constitutional powers if the trend persisted.

“If this pattern continues, we will not hesitate to issue formal summons and explore every power available to us,” he said. “Accountability is non-negotiable. This investigation serves the national interest.”

He emphasised the committee’s resolve to uncover how the massive funds allocated to improve the power sector were utilised, and why Nigerians continue to face erratic electricity despite years of reforms.

“This assignment is too crucial to be treated lightly,” he added. “We must follow every naira, every contract, every project, and every commitment made in the name of power sector reform.”

Other committee members echoed the chairman’s frustration, describing the repeated snubbing as part of a growing trend of agencies undermining legislative oversight. They urged the chairman to escalate enforcement measures, including issuing summons or other constitutional actions, to compel compliance.