The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy has handed a 24-hour deadline to the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, to appear before lawmakers and account for billions of naira and hundreds of millions of dollars in loans and grants managed by the agency.
The directive was issued at a public hearing in Abuja after members expressed frustration over what they described as repeated failure to honour invitations. Lawmakers warned that failure to appear could trigger his arrest by security agencies.
Committee members reported that between 2015 and 2024, the agency received approximately N151 billion in government allocations for solar mini-grids, domestic systems, and street illumination projects.
Alongside other donations, including funding from European allies, they also mentioned approximately 550 million dollars in grants from the World Bank and the African Development Bank over the same time.
The News Chronicle gathered that the ultimatum reflects growing pressure within the National Assembly to scrutinise renewable energy spending amid concerns that heavy investments have not translated into visible improvements in electricity access.
Lawmakers say that over the past ten years, Nigeria has drawn over $2 billion in renewable energy assistance, yet several rural areas still go without. They argue that full transparency is critical to preserve Nigeria’s reputation among development partners.
Set up to increase access to off-grid areas through electricity, the Rural Electrification Agency’s leadership is currently expected to tackle issues that may define future donor confidence and Congressional oversight.
