Nigeria's House of Representatives has initiated a comprehensive investigation into 17 years of failures in the electricity sector. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen emphasized the parliament's commitment to ensuring reforms deliver tangible results. The probe aims to review investments and policy implementation since the sector's reforms began.
The House of Representatives began an investigative hearing into persistent challenges in Nigeria's power sector, which have hindered growth, efficiency, and national development. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Mike Etaba, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, stated that the parliament is determined to correct 17 years of failures in the electricity sector. The ad-hoc committee was constituted under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Order 20, Rule 7 of the House Standing Orders, empowering the National Assembly to probe government ministries, departments, and agencies.
Tajudeen highlighted the critical role of electricity, quoting, “Electricity, as we all know, is the lifeblood of modern civilisation. No nation attains sustainable progress without a reliable power supply.” He added, “From our factories to our schools, hospitals to our homes, electricity determines productivity, quality of life and the strength of our economy.” Despite repeated efforts over the past 17 years, the sector has not delivered stable power, prompting this review of reforms, investments, and implementation.
The Speaker urged the committee to conduct the probe with diligence, transparency, and courage, aligning outcomes with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 on access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy.
In a related development, the House Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, during an oversight visit to Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC) on Wednesday, reaffirmed efforts to combat energy theft. Chairman Hamisu Ibrahim disclosed that the National Assembly is intensifying a bill for stricter penalties, enhanced enforcement, and asset protection. He stated, “Energy theft has become a major obstacle to efficient electricity distribution in Nigeria. We are working on a robust legal framework that will decisively address this menace and safeguard infrastructure investments.” The committee also pledged support for DisCos to recover outstanding debts from federal and state entities to improve sector liquidity.