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Reps Probe Mismanagement in Green Energy Projects

Reps Probe Mismanagement in Green Energy Projects

The House of Representatives has initiated an investigation into the allocation of green energy projects to inappropriate entities, aiming to curb substandard implementation, ensure transparency, and prevent further loss of value in the sector.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance at Wednesday’s plenary, sponsored by the member representing Oshodi/Isolo II Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi.

The Federal Government, through the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, is funding numerous green and renewable energy projects aimed at promoting sustainable power generation, reducing carbon emissions, and improving access to clean energy across Nigeria, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

However, some of these green energy projects, including solar mini-grids, wind farms, and renewable energy initiatives, have reportedly been domiciled with entities and institutions that lack the expertise, technical capacity, professional competence, or statutory mandate to execute or supervise such projects effectively.

Speaking on the substance of the motion, the Labour Party lawmaker expressed concern over what he called “the misplacement or inappropriate domiciliation of the projects”, a development he stressed undermines the objectives of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan.

He said, “The House is concerned that this encourages duplication of efforts, delays implementation timelines, and often results in substandard or abandoned projects, thereby wasting public funds and eroding public trust.

‘The House is worried that the lack of due diligence and proper inter-agency coordination in assigning such projects has led to inefficiency, poor monitoring, and loss of value in the delivery of renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in rural electrification and public sector energy efficiency programmes.

“The effective management and domiciliation of green energy projects with competent and appropriate agencies such as the Rural Electrification Agency, the Energy Commission of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, among others, are critical for ensuring technical quality, sustainability, and accountability in project delivery.”

He, however, argued that “The continued mismanagement and inappropriate domiciliation of green energy projects can derail the nation’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and the Paris Climate Agreement targets with grave implications for environmental sustainability and economic growth.”

The House, following the adoption of the motion, mandated its Committee on Renewable Energy to investigate the widely reported domiciliation of green and renewable energy projects across MDAs to determine compliance with due process, capacity standards, and statutory mandates.

It also directed the Committee to “Identify cases where renewable projects have been misplaced, mismanaged, or underperformed due to domiciliation with inappropriate entities and recommend measures for redress, including sanctions where applicable.”

The House also urged the Federal Government, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Bureau of Public Procurement, to “ensure that future green energy projects are domiciled strictly with competent, legally mandated, and technically qualified institutions to guarantee value for money as recommended by the Committee on Renewable Energy.”

It also called on the Federal Ministry of Power and the Energy Commission of Nigeria to “Develop a clear framework for inter-agency coordination and delineation of responsibilities in the implementation of renewable and green energy initiatives and report to the House Committee on Renewable Energy within four weeks.”

It proposed an urgent amendment to the Electric Power Sector Reform Act to align existing laws with renewable energy objectives.

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