Reps Fume as Power Sector Stakeholders Shun Probe

By Msugh Ityokura

29 November 2025

News

The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating Nigeria’s power sector reforms and expenditure from 2007 to 2024 has condemned the persistent failure of key government agencies and private operators to honour its invitations or submit requested documents.

At the resumed hearing Friday in Abuja, Chairman of the committee, Arch. Ibrahim Almustapha Aliyu, said members waited for over two hours without a single stakeholder present, despite being scheduled to engage at least seven ministries, departments, agencies and power companies.

Aliyu described the absence as outright disrespect for the National Assembly and a deliberate attempt to frustrate a constitutionally mandated investigation into nearly two decades of reforms and trillions of naira spent in the sector.

“We adjourned to reconvene by 11 a.m., but as of 12:30 p.m., not one stakeholder has shown up,” he said. “This is unacceptable.”

He noted that while a few organisations requested more time, many others neither acknowledged the committee’s letters nor offered any explanation for their absence. This, he said, was slowing down the probe and raising serious transparency concerns.

The chairman added that despite efforts to resolve delivery and contact challenges, several institutions still failed to acknowledge receipt of official letters.

He warned that the repeated refusal to appear suggested a coordinated attempt to evade scrutiny.

“Let it be clear: the National Assembly cannot be ignored,” Aliyu said. “This committee will not be undermined.”

He directed the secretariat to compile a compliance chart showing acknowledgements, submissions and appearances, to guide the committee’s next steps and give Nigerians a clear view of the cooperation received so far.

Aliyu said the committee was ready to invoke its constitutional powers if the trend continued.

“If they continue to avoid this probe, we will not hesitate to issue summons and take further steps,” he warned.

He stressed that the investigation aimed to establish how huge federal investments intended to reform the power sector were utilised, and why Nigerians still suffer erratic electricity supply.

Several committee members also expressed frustration, describing the snubbing as part of a wider pattern of disregard for legislative oversight. They urged stronger actions to ensure compliance.