Senate Committee on Power summons Minister of Power and NERC officials for investigative hearing on recent electricity tariff hike
Chairman Abaribe emphasizes need for immediate action to address Nigeria’s inadequate power supply, highlights sector challenges during oversight function
The Senate Committee on Power has called upon the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and senior officials from the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to attend an investigative hearing regarding Nigeria’s recent electricity tariff increase.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, announced this on Monday during an oversight function and familiarization tour to the Federal Ministry of Power in Abuja.
Abaribe stated, “The Senate has authorized an investigative hearing scheduled for April 29, 2024. Key government agencies will be questioned.”
He added, “We have summoned the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to explain the electricity tariff hike. The Minister of Power is also expected to attend.”
Accompanied by several committee members including Senator Dajuma Goje (Gombe Central), Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), and Osita Izunaso (Imo West), Abaribe expressed concern about the nation’s inadequate power supply and emphasized the need for immediate action.
During discussions, the minister highlighted challenges confronting the power sector, including insufficient funding, vandalism, right-of-way issues, and gas shortages. He appealed for the committee’s support in achieving the ministry’s objectives.
The committee inspected a power project on the ministry’s premises and engaged in oversight with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) regarding power generation and transmission.
Abaribe expressed dismay that significant challenges persisted despite substantial investments in the power sector. He questioned why the TCN and other sector agencies allowed the power grid to collapse recurrently.
The committee pledged to report back to the Senate and consider reviewing TCN’s annual budget to enhance service delivery, as requested by TCN officials.
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