The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, which is investigating the allocation of $2 billion in investments and grants within Nigeria’s renewable energy sector, adjourned its session on Wednesday in honor of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away in Lagos on Tuesday evening at the age of 56.
The committee, led by Mr. Afam Ogene, representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State, had originally set the hearing for Wednesday, November 6, 2024, expecting appearances from the Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security; Petroleum Resources (Gas); and Science, Technology, and Innovation.
However, none of the ministers attended the session at the National Assembly Complex, where the hearing was held. Nevertheless, Mr. Ogene moved to adjourn the proceedings to Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
Among the agencies represented at the probe were the Ministries of Finance and Environment, along with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.
During the session, Princewill Okorie, National President of the Association for Public Policy Analysis, delivered the only presentation of the day. Okorie emphasized the importance of ensuring safety and quality standards in renewable energy investments.
“Have we asked if there is a safety component in the renewable investments and funding that come into this country?” Okorie posed to the committee. “For instance, there was a time the House of Representatives used to make street lights part of their constituency project. How many of them are working today?”
He urged the committee to conduct an audit on the functionality of street lights installed as part of Nigeria’s renewable energy efforts. Okorie also pointed to mini-grid projects launched during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, noting, “How many of them are working today? People buy solar system lanterns, and after one or two months, they stop working. All these are challenges of quality and standards.”
Okorie highlighted the issue of regulatory oversight, raising concerns about renewable energy products entering the country.
He questioned, “All these fundings that come from the World Bank and African Development Bank, is there a component provided for safety standards and regulations? What is the quality of those products coming into the country? Do the customs and excise test those products at the entry points into our markets?”
Emphasizing the need for strict adherence to standards, Okorie added that Nigeria should not compromise on safety and quality as it pursues renewable energy goals.
He also called on the committee to investigate how many states are benefitting from foreign grants in renewable energy, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in the sector.
