The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Uche Nnaji; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, are among the prominent government officials expected to testify before the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy on Wednesday.
The Committee, chaired by Afam Ogene, the member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State, is investigating the utilization of over $2bn in investments and grants aimed at advancing renewable energy development in Nigeria from 2015 to the present.
Despite the significant financial support for the sector, the Committee expressed concern last week that power supply in the country continues to decline, calling for accountability regarding the use of these resources.
The investigative hearings, scheduled for November 5 and 6, 2024, follow a mandate issued to the Committee on June 6, 2024, to investigate the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies involved in renewable energy investments, procurement processes, and the receipt of grants aimed at boosting energy development.
At the start of the hearings on Tuesday, November 5, none of the invited ministers appeared in person, opting instead to send representatives—many of whom were asked to return to their offices.
Chairman Ogene expressed disappointment over the ministers’ absence, urging them to ensure their attendance on Wednesday.
He reminded the officials that both chambers of the National Assembly hold the constitutional authority to summon public officers for investigations, emphasizing the legal backing for the inquiry.
“Section 81(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) grants each House of the National Assembly the power to direct investigations into any matter it has the authority to legislate on,” Ogene stated. “This includes probing the conduct of any individual or government body tasked with the responsibility of administering funds appropriated by the National Assembly.”
When the Budget and Economic Planning Ministry was called upon to make its presentation, Felix Okonkwo, a director from the ministry, appeared on behalf of the minister. However, when asked if he had the minister’s mandate to speak, Okonkwo clarified, “I can take on some responsibilities, but not all.”
Ogene, dissatisfied with the response, urged Okonkwo to inform his minister of the need for his personal attendance on Wednesday.
“You must relay this message: the minister must appear before the Committee on Wednesday. This is not a witch-hunt, but a matter of accountability. It is unacceptable that after three invitations, ministers or heads of MDAs fail to attend hearings,” Ogene said.
The same issue arose when Suleiman Abubakar, a Deputy Director at the Ministry of Science and Technology, appeared in place of his minister. When questioned about whether he had been delegated the authority to speak on behalf of the minister, Abubakar stated that he had been directed to attend the hearing by his directorate.
Ogene ruled that Abubakar was not authorized to represent the minister, stating, “We wrote to the minister, not a directorate. He must appear in person tomorrow.”
Also expected at Wednesday’s hearing are the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, officials from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Union Bank of Nigeria, and representatives from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.
