By Christiana Ekpa
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen has said that the House was determined to correct the wrongs that has plagued the nation’s electricity sector in the last 17 years and would carry out a company investigation of government investment in the sector.
The Speaker who spoke at the commencement of investigation into the power sector reform regretted that the nation’s power sector has undergone serious challenges that has hindered growth ans inefficiency.
The Speaker represented by Chairman House Committee on Environment, Hon. Mike Etaba
said the House owe it to Nigerians as a constitutional duty to ensure that the reforms intended to enhance service delivery, increase capacity, and improve infrastructure are not just on paper, but are effectively implemented and yielding the desired results
The Speaker said “electricity as we all know it, is the lifeblood of modern civilization as no nation attains sustainable progress without reliable power supply. From our factories to our schools, our hospitals to our homes, electricity determines the productivity, quality of life, and our collective economy.
“Regrettably, the Nigerian power sector has witnessed numerous challenges that have hindered its growth and efficiency. It is about time we looked into the reforms implemented over the past 17 years, to understand their successes and shortcomings, and to ensure that we pave a path that benefits all citizens”.
He said further that “the establishment of this Ad-Hoc Committee is not only timely and necessary; it is formed in recognition of our responsibility to the people as stipulated pursuant to the provisions of Section 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and Order 20 Rule 7 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives which empowers the National Assembly to conduct investigations and inquiries into the conduct of affairs of government ministries, departments, and agencies.
“As our constitutional duty of oversight, we owe it to Nigerians to ensure that the reforms intended to enhance service delivery, increase capacity, and improve infrastructure are not just on paper, but are effectively implemented and yielding the desired results.
“Therefore, we must ask ourselves: Have these reforms fulfilled their promises? Have they led to the expected improvements in service delivery? And most importantly, have they been executed with integrity and in the best interest of our citizens?
‘As we embark on this important journey, I urge all members of the committee to approach their duties with diligence, openness, and a commitment to the truth. Your work will be crucial in shaping the future of our power sector and, by extension, the policy formulation of the sector. I encourage you to engage with stakeholders, listen to the voices of the people, and be fearless in your pursuit of the truth.
“In a broader context, it will be admirable if the outcome of this exercise spurs reliable and modern energy recommendations in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)7 as the world is moving toward sustainable energy solutions. Our investigation should consider not only the historical context but also the future we envision for our power sector—one that is sustainable, innovative, and inclusive.”
