MDAs Face Final Deadline As Reps Intensify Power Sector Probe

Torkwase Nyiekaa

The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating reforms and spending in Nigeria’s power sector from 2007 to 2024 has once again summoned several government institutions over repeated non-compliance with legislative oversight.

The agencies summoned include the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), the Budget Office of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Ministries of Finance and Power, and the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.

At a resumed hearing on Thursday, committee chairman Arch. Ibrahim Almustapha Aliyu expressed strong dissatisfaction with the institutions for disregarding prior requests and failing to submit documents crucial to the investigation.

Aliyu described the behavior of the agencies as “a disturbing pattern of avoidance” and ordered them to appear before the committee by December 8, 2025. He warned that continued defiance would compel the House to exercise its constitutional powers to enforce attendance.

The chairman noted that initial letters were sent to the institutions on November 10, followed by reminders on November 19 and other subsequent communications, none of which elicited acknowledgment or the requested records.

“We are increasingly concerned by this lack of engagement,” Aliyu said. “While we cannot assume their reasons for non-appearance, these ministries and agencies are central to uncovering the truth about expenditures in the power sector.”

Earlier, committee members supported a motion recommending a brief extension for the agencies to respond and suggested expanding the channels of communication. Lawmakers also advised that the summons be published in national newspapers to eliminate any claim of ignorance.

Aliyu approved the recommendations, confirming that public notices would accompany the issuance of new letters. He described this as a final attempt at cooperation before the committee invokes Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution, which grant the National Assembly the authority to compel the appearance of individuals or institutions and demand relevant documents.

The chairman cautioned that ongoing non-cooperation could undermine the investigation, which seeks to determine why trillions of naira spent on power infrastructure over nearly two decades have not resulted in reliable electricity for Nigerians.

“We cannot proceed under these circumstances,” Aliyu stressed. “These agencies must provide the records. Nigerians deserve transparency and accountability.”