Reps probe renewable energy projects, foreign grants

The House of Representatives on Tuesday commenced a probe into renewable energy projects and foreign grants received in the sector, as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and boost Nigeria’s energy security. Declaring open the investigative hearing at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, said the exercise was aimed at assessing the […]

The House of Representatives on Tuesday commenced a probe into renewable energy projects and foreign grants received in the sector, as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and boost Nigeria’s energy security.
Declaring open the investigative hearing at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, said the exercise was aimed at assessing the domiciliation of green energy projects in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), examining foreign grants and investments since 2015, and evaluating the utilisation of renewable energy across government institutions.
He described the hearing as a crucial parliamentary intervention designed to curb economic wastage, enhance transparency and ensure effective implementation of the Electricity Act, 2023, which integrates renewable energy into Nigeria’s power mix.

He lamented the persistent electricity challenges in the country and the heavy reliance on generators by businesses and households, noting that the high cost of self-generated power continues to inflate living expenses and hinder economic growth.

 

The Speaker noted that the 10th Assembly established, for the first time, a dedicated Committee on Renewable Energy to drive oversight and align Nigeria with global clean energy trends.

 

He said the committee oversees key agencies, including the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority and the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, as well as renewable energy initiatives nationwide.

 

Chairman of the Committee on Renewable Energy, Afam Victor Ogene, said the panel consolidated three House mandates due to their interconnection and importance to national development.

 

He disclosed that an earlier probe into grants and investments was temporarily stalled due to the uncooperative attitude of some MDAs involved in procurement and grant administration.