The House of Representatives says it plans to conduct a thorough investigation on the underperformance of investments in renewable energy.

Afam Ogene, chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, said this in Abuja on Thursday at a workshop on aligning strategies across the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan’s five key sectors with net zero commitments.

Mr Ogene said that the House had mandated the committee on renewable energy to conduct a comprehensive investigation into government agencies involved in renewable energy investments, procurement, and grant management since 2015.

He said the resolution followed a motion sponsored by Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, who represents the Oshodi/Isolo federal constituency in Lagos.

According to him, the motion was on the urgent need to investigate government investments and grants received in the renewable energy sector from 2015 to the present.

“In spite of significant investments and grants, including a $750 million World Bank facility approved in December 2023, and over $2 billion received as investments and grants in the past decade. The sector has failed to show tangible progress or contribute meaningfully to the national grid,” he said.

According to him, the House is concerned about the seeming lack of transparency and accountability in managing these funds.

Mr Ogene said that as chairman of the committee on renewable energy, he would conduct a thorough investigation, leaving no stone unturned, to uncover the truth behind the sector’s underperformance.

He also said that the committee would ensure that the parliament’s mandate was fulfilled and appropriate action was taken against individuals or organisations that had mismanaged funds or engaged in unethical practices.

“The investigation aims to hold accountable those responsible for the sector’s poor performance and release the sector from dullness and stunted development. Promoting in the process, sustainable economic development and addressing Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges,” he said.

Mr Ogene appealed to REAN, as stakeholders in the renewable energy sector, to provide relevant information about investments and grants in the sector within the period.

(NAN)