The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy has issued a two-day ultimatum to the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, and the Head of the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP), Olufemi Akinyelure, to appear before the panel in connection with its ongoing investigation into grants, loans, and investments in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector from 2015 to 2024.
The committee, chaired by Anambra lawmaker Afam Ogene, is examining fund disbursement, project implementation, and compliance with statutory and financial regulations in the sector. At a resumed hearing in Abuja, Ogene expressed frustration over repeated failure by the agencies’ leadership to honour previous invitations.
Ultimatum and Warning
Ogene warned that failure to appear on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 2 p.m. would compel the committee to exercise its constitutional powers, including issuing warrants of arrest.
“The MD of the REA, despite attempts to avoid appearing, will not get away lightly. The Constitution is clear that this Committee has the power to compel appearance. This is a final invitation,” he stated.
The lawmaker emphasised that the probe is part of the National Assembly’s mandate to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public and donor funds, especially in a sector critical to economic growth and rural development.
Jurisdictional Tensions
A jurisdictional dispute has emerged over which House committee holds primary oversight of the REA. In a February 27, 2026 letter, the Chairman of the House Committee on Rural Electrification, Muhammad Bukar, asserted that his panel has primary oversight over REA operations, financial management, grant utilisation, and project implementation.
The letter cautioned against engaging in parallel inquiries, warning that uncoordinated oversight could undermine institutional order and create unnecessary tension between committees.
Background of the Investigation
The inquiry forms part of a broader review of disbursements, concessional loans, and international grants for rural electrification projects over nearly a decade. Between 2015 and 2024, Nigeria received significant funding from multilateral development partners to expand electricity access via solar mini-grids, standalone systems, and grid extension projects.
Concerns raised by lawmakers include:
- Pace of project execution
- Transparency in fund utilisation
- Compliance with procurement and financial regulations
The investigation aims to determine how funds were allocated, the status of projects, and whether contractual and statutory obligations were met. Its outcome is expected to guide future legislative and policy decisions on renewable energy financing and rural electrification initiatives in Nigeria.
