The House of Representatives on Thursday summoned the Managing Directors of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IEDC) and the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) over their absence from the ongoing investigative hearing into power sector reforms from 2007 to 2024.

The Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Hon. Al-Mustapha Ibrahim, who issued the notice in Abuja, expressed grave displeasure over the development and alleged that the absence of the Discos’ chief executive officers undermined the purpose of the investigation.

According to him, the Ad-hoc Committee was constituted to address Nigeria’s persistent power challenges, which have continued to slow national development despite over a decade of power sector privatisation.

“There is no way we can move forward without hearing directly from the Managing Directors. We want them to tell Nigerians who they are, what they do, the investments they have made, and how they have utilised the various government interventions in the power sector.”

He noted that while generation and transmission issues have been interrogated in previous sessions, distribution companies remain critical stakeholders whose performance directly affects electricity supply to consumers.

The chairman recalled submissions from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which indicated that Nigeria has never generated up to 13,300 megawatts of electricity at any time, with peak generation hovering around 10,000 megawatts, despite a transmission capacity of about 7,000 megawatts.

“The big question is why Nigerians are still in darkness. Discos must explain why communities and individuals are still forced to buy transformers and other infrastructure that should ordinarily be their responsibility.”

During the hearing, officials who appeared on behalf of the Discos could not provide convincing explanations for the absence of their Managing Directors, nor present letters formally notifying the committee of any delegation.

Members of the committee unanimously rejected the representation and insisted that only the Managing Directors could adequately address the issues raised.

Following deliberations, Hon. Olajide Mohammed moved a motion that the investigative hearing should be adjourned to 5 February, directing the Discos to reappear with their Managing Directors to defend their submissions and explain their investment records, infrastructure development, and utilisation of intervention funds.

“We want to hear from the horse’s mouth. Nigerians are suffering across the country, and this is not an issue we can continue to treat lightly.”

The motion was amended by Hon. Abubakar Jajere, who called for the invitation of core investors in the Discos, citing what he described as a pattern of disregard for the committee’s summons.

“We have already set a precedent that agencies invited must be represented by their chief executives.

“If the Discos continue to respond negatively, then we should invite their core investors. That way, accountability will be enforced.”

The chairman, who upheld the amended motion, however, warned that failure to comply with the committee’s directive would attract the full instrumentality of the House.

“If they continue to evade this investigation, it raises serious questions about their capacity, commitment, and ability to deliver effective power supply after 13 years of privatisation,” Hon. Ibrahim said.

To this end, the lawmakers unanimously resolved to adjourn proceedings until 5 February, reaffirming their resolve to uncover the root causes of Nigeria’s electricity crisis and ensure accountability in the power sector. (Nigerian Tribune)