$2bn Energy Fund Probe: Reps Demand Ministers Face House Over Worsening Power Crisis

By Achimi Muktar

A major showdown is brewing as top government ministers, including those in charge of Agriculture, Science, and Budget, face increasing pressure from the House of Representatives to explain how over $2 billion in investments and grants meant for renewable energy have been utilized. Despite the vast sums poured into the sector, Nigeria’s power supply has only worsened—sparking national outrage.

Ministers on the Hot Seat

The Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; Science, Technology, and Innovation, Uche Nnaji; and Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, are among the high-profile officials summoned to appear before the House Committee on Renewable Energy on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

The House Committee, chaired by Afam Ogene, the representative for Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra State, is spearheading an intense investigation into the handling of the $2bn investment in the renewable energy sector since 2015. Despite these funds, power supply remains in dismal condition, leaving citizens to wonder where the money went.

A No-Show Sparks Outrage

During the initial hearing on Tuesday, the ministers failed to attend, opting instead to send representatives. This move did not sit well with the Committee, which promptly sent them packing, demanding the ministers' personal appearances.

Ogene, visibly frustrated, made it clear that the Committee would not tolerate such dismissiveness. "Tell your minister to appear before this committee on Wednesday," Ogene stated firmly. "This investigation is not meant to witch-hunt anyone, but we will not allow invitations to be ignored."

The Constitution, Ogene reminded them, grants the National Assembly the authority to summon public officers for investigations related to the appropriation of public funds.

Ministers' Representatives Fail to Impress

Felix Okonkwo, a director in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, appeared on behalf of Minister Atiku Bagudu, but quickly admitted he could not take full responsibility for answering the Committee’s questions. His response drew a sharp rebuke from Ogene, who instructed him to ensure the minister's appearance on Wednesday.

Similar scenes played out when the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Suleiman Abubakar, attempted to stand in for Minister Uche Nnaji. When asked whether he had the minister’s mandate, Abubakar revealed that his directorate had merely asked him to attend, further aggravating the Committee’s frustration.

“You have no locus to stand in for the Minister,” Ogene declared, ruling that the ministers must show up in person to address the pressing questions.

Power Crisis Under Scrutiny

The investigation, mandated by the House on June 6, 2024, aims to uncover how billions in investments and grants intended for the renewable energy sector were utilized

especially as Nigeria’s power supply has worsened rather than improved. The Committee on Renewable Energy is questioning why such significant funds, meant to revolutionize the country’s energy landscape through renewable sources, have not yielded the expected results.

The Scope of the Investigation

The probe extends beyond just the Ministers of Agriculture, Science, and Budget. Also expected to testify are the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, and representatives from several key institutions, including the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. These entities are believed to have played critical roles in handling the grants and investments in renewable energy projects.

The $2bn in question is believed to have come from a mix of foreign grants and investments from development agencies and private sector stakeholders, intended to boost renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. However, the country’s worsening power crisis has raised red flags, with both the public and lawmakers demanding accountability for how the funds have been used—or misused.

The Stakes Are High

The absence of the ministers at Tuesday’s hearing was viewed by the Committee as a lack of respect for the legislative process and a sign of possible reluctance to disclose the full details of the renewable energy investments. As Ogene put it, “We are not here to play games. These funds were meant to improve the lives of Nigerians by addressing the power supply issues, and we demand to know how they were used.”

The Committee’s firm stance has sparked public interest, as Nigerians continue to grapple with erratic electricity supply, despite lofty promises of improvements through renewable energy initiatives. The upcoming session on Wednesday is expected to be tense, with many eager to hear the ministers’ explanations.

What’s Next?

Should the ministers fail to appear again on Wednesday, the House may resort to more stringent measures