Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The House of Representatives has set up an ad-hoc committee to look into the federal government’s expenditure on power sector reforms between 2007 and 2024 with the view of improving the sector.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, while inaugurating the panel, said the parliament was resolute to unravel the challenges that had plagued the power sector in the last 17 years.
The Speaker, represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Mike Etaba, expressed regret that the challenges in the power sector had militated against the development of the country.
He said that the House owes the country a duty to ensure that the power sector reforms achieved the intended objectives.
“Electricity as we all know, 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 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.
“The establishment of this ad-hoc committee is not only timely and necessary; it is formed in recognition of our responsibility to the people as stipulated, pursuant to the provisions of Section 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and Order 20 Rule 7 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, which empowers the National Assembly to conduct investigations and inquiries into the conduct of affairs of the government’s ministries, departments and agencies.
“As our constitutional duty of oversight, we owe Nigerians the 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.
“Therefore, we must ask ourselves: Have these reforms fulfilled their promises? Have they led to the expected improvements in service delivery? And most importantly, have they been executed with integrity and in the best interest of our citizens?”
Chairman of the panel, Ibrahim Almustapha Aliyu, said the Ad-hoc would audit expenditure on the power sector reform programme and evaluate the effectiveness of projects and initiatives undertaken during the period under review.
“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.”
