The Nigerian Senate has assured that it will insist on accountability and transparency in the power sector, particularly in the application of funds proposed for it in the 2020 budget.
Addressing the delegation of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, led by the managing director, Eng Chiedu Ugbo, who visited the National Assembly yesterday in Abuja, the President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, the Senate and House Committees through the instrument of oversight will ensure the prudent application of all funds channeled to the power sector.
According to him, the Nigerian government had severally been shortchanged in agreements entered into with generating and distribution companies in the past. He warned that those behind shortchanging the government through power deals will be held accountable for their actions.
“One of the challenges Nigeria is faced with today and for a very long time in the area of development is power. Until we are able to fix the power situation, development will continue to be difficult to achieve. This is one area we will continue to give priority to ensure we are able to meet the targets. It’s not going to be easy, but the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari has shown clear determination in ensuring we get power fixed,” the Senate President said
He regretted that power sector in Nigeria has been surrounded with controversies for a long time, pointing out that when the NIPP started, many things were said; some of which he said were true. “Expenditures were made in the past, and we did not see commensurate results from the expenditures. It is something to worry about.
“Some persons also have the tendencies to sign agreements that sometimes are clearly against the national interest. Time has come for people to stop doing this,” he said
Lawan said, going forward, Nigeria need to be very careful, and that time has come for people to be held responsible for their actions. “This National Assembly will not close its eyes or not take any action if our nation is shortchanged. We are very concerned with what is happening in the power sector because personally we have not realised the best deal at all.
“What we have are a few companies that are milking this country dry. I think we must insist on getting value for money. The kind of money sunk into the power sector will not only provide light for Nigeria but also the neighbouring countries. The Senate and House Committees on Power will look to see how we can make a difference this time around because we intend to monitor closely any money put in the budget. We want to see such money prudently applied,” Lawan said.
The Niger Delta Power Holding Company was set up in 2005 to bridge the infrastructure gap in electric the power supply industry in Nigeria. The company started with ten generation plants, before moving on to transmission.
Chibisi Ohakah
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