Again, Reps Summon REA Boss Over EEP Phase I–III Projects

The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy has directed the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, to appear in person before it next week on Tuesday, following his absence at an ongoing investigative hearing in Abuja.

LEADERSHIP reports that the lawmakers had invited Aliyu and contractors handling Energy Education Programme (EEP) Phase I–III projects to appear before it on Wednesday.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Afam Ogene, issued the directive when the REA boss failed to turn up, warning that official responsibilities must not be trivialised.

He also ordered the Agency to submit a comprehensive written response to issues raised by the Committee within 48 hours.

“We as lawmakers are elected to hold public officers accountable in line with Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” Ogene stated.

The Committee members expressed strong displeasure over the absence of the REA Managing Director.

Hon. Kwamoti Laori (Demsa/Numan/Lamurde federal constituency, Adamawa) described the development as highly disrespectful, warning that such conduct should no longer be tolerated.

He called for the issuance of a warrant of arrest through the Inspector-General of Police if the directive was not complied with.

Similarly, Hon. Shina Oyedeji (Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa, Oyo) stressed that public officers must account for their stewardship, particularly given the substantial grants and public funds managed by the Agency.

Responding on behalf of the Agency, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Gboyega Ayoade, tendered an unreserved apology and appealed for more time, insisting that the Managing Director’s absence was neither deliberate nor intended to disrespect the Committee.

Meanwhile, the National President of the Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN), Vitus Ofodum Vitus Ikenna, urged the Committee to mandate the use of certified electrical professionals in renewable energy projects nationwide.

He warned that domiciling green energy projects with entities lacking technical capacity could result in substandard installations, safety hazards, and loss of public funds.

LECAN, whose members are certified by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) under the Electricity Act 2023, expressed concern that many donor-funded renewable energy projects were awarded to unqualified contractors, leading to abandoned or failed installations.