Key government officials, including the Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji; and Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, are expected to testify before the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy on Wednesday, 6 November 2024.
The committee, chaired by Afam Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State, is investigating the use of more than $2 billion in investments and grants for renewable energy development in Nigeria from 2015 to the present.
Despite the large financial resources allocated to the sector, the committee has raised concerns over the deteriorating power supply in the country. Last week, members emphasized that, despite the substantial funds, there has been little improvement in the nation’s energy situation.
The ongoing investigation stems from a mandate issued to the committee on 6 June 2024, which tasked it with probing Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) involved in investments, procurement, and management of grants aimed at renewable energy development.
While the investigative hearing was scheduled for 5 and 6 November, Tuesday’s session saw no ministers in attendance, with representatives sent in their place. Most of the representatives were told to return to their offices, as the committee insisted on hearing directly from the ministers.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the absence of the key officials, Chairman Ogene urged the invited ministers and government representatives to attend on Wednesday without fail.
Ogene reminded those present of the constitutional power vested in the National Assembly to summon public officials for investigation. Citing Section 81 (1) of the Constitution, Ogene stated, “Each House of the National Assembly has the power to investigate any matter related to its legislative functions, including the conduct of any government official or department involved in the handling of public funds.”
At the start of Tuesday’s hearing, Ogene directed the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning to make his presentation, but a director from the ministry, Felix Okonkwo, appeared in his place. When asked whether he had the minister’s authorization to speak, Okonkwo responded, “I can take some responsibilities, but not all.”
Unimpressed, Ogene told him, “Please go back and inform your minister that he must appear before the committee on Wednesday. It is not about witch-hunting; it is about accountability. If we send invitations three times and the heads of MDAs still fail to appear, that is unacceptable.”
The committee faced a similar situation with the Ministry of Science and Technology, where Deputy Director Suleiman Abubakar stood in for Minister Uche Nnaji. When asked if he had been delegated by the minister, Abubakar said he had been directed by his directorate to attend.
Ogene responded firmly, “You do not have the authority to represent the minister. The minister should be here in person tomorrow.”
In addition to the ministers, officials from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas), the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Union Bank of Nigeria, and Niger Delta Power Holding Company are also expected to appear before the committee on Wednesday.
