Reps Summon Discos Over Power Failure, Alleged Misuse of Funds

By Oluwakemi Kindness

 The House of Representatives has summoned electricity distribution companies over persistent power outages, alleged misuse of intervention funds, and poor accountability in Nigeria’s power sector.

Thirteen years after the privatisation of electricity distribution, the House Ad hoc Committee investigating power sector reforms and expenditure from 2007 to 2024 expressed anger over the failure of the Managing Directors of the Ibadan and Jos Electricity Distribution Companies to appear before it.

Chairman of the committee, Al-Mustapha Ibrahim, described the absence of the chief executives at Thursday’s hearing as disrespectful and a major setback to the ongoing investigation into Nigeria’s electricity crisis.

According to Ibrahim, the committee was set up to determine why Nigerians continue to experience unreliable power supply despite years of privatisation and multiple government intervention programmes.

“There is no way we can move forward without hearing directly from the Managing Directors,” he said. “They must tell Nigerians who they are, what investments they have made, and how they have utilised government intervention funds.”

The chairman noted that while the committee has examined issues relating to power generation and transmission, distribution companies remain key players whose performance directly affects electricity supply to consumers nationwide.

He cited submissions by the Transmission Company of Nigeria, which revealed that the country has never generated up to 13,300 megawatts of electricity, with peak generation hovering around 10,000 megawatts, despite a transmission capacity of about 7,000 megawatts.

“The big question remains why Nigerians are still in darkness,” Ibrahim said, adding that Discos must explain why citizens are forced to buy transformers and other infrastructure meant to be provided by the companies.

Officials who appeared on behalf of the Ibadan and Jos Discos failed to justify the absence of their Managing Directors and could not present formal letters of delegation. The committee unanimously rejected their representation.

Following deliberations, Olajide Mohammed, representing Oyo State, moved a motion to adjourn the hearing to February 5, directing the Discos to reappear with their Managing Directors and present detailed reports on investments, infrastructure development, and utilisation of intervention funds.

“We want to hear from the horse’s mouth,” Mohammed said. “Nigerians are suffering, and this issue cannot be treated lightly.”

The motion was amended by Abubakar Jajere of Yobe State, who called for the invitation of core investors in the distribution companies, citing repeated disregard for the committee’s summons.

“If this pattern continues, we should invite the core investors to ensure accountability,” Jajere said.

Upholding the amended motion, Chairman Ibrahim warned that continued non-compliance would attract the full legislative powers of the House.

“Failure to appear raises serious concerns about the capacity and commitment of these Discos to deliver reliable electricity after 13 years of privatisation,” he said.

The committee adjourned proceedings to February 5, reaffirming its resolve to uncover the root causes of Nigeria’s power supply challenges and enforce accountability across the sector.