Nigeria’s Senate has set up an ad-hoc committee with Senator Abubakar Kyari as chairman to carry out a holistic investigation on the management of funds appropriated for power sector since 1999 and the unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). Senate President Senator Bukola Saraki announced the members of the members of committee during plenary on Thursday.
The Senate also urged the President to direct the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to immediately reconnect Maiduguri the capital of Borno State to the National grid. They also directed the military to clear insurgents from the affected area to enable TCN connect the area to the National Grid.
Also,the upper chamber of the National Assembly strongly condemned the inability of the TCN to provide continuous and uninterrupted power supply to all parts of the country and directed the Federal Government to complete the Mambilla Hydro Power project in Taraba State.
The developments followed a motion sponsored by Senate leader Senator Ali Ndume. He noted with sadness the hardship and sufferings of the people in Maiduguri occasioned by lack of electricity supply. The lawmaker from Borno South observed that the disconnection of Maiduguri from the National grid and the general degeneration of power supply across the country have led to the collapse of several industries a development which is impacting negatively on the national economy.
Ndume also expressed concerned that in spite of the huge sum of money, Nigeria with a population of over 150 million people produces only 4600 mega watts while South Africa with a population of 40 million people produces 40,000 mega watts with additional 11,000 mega watts to come on stream.
Seconding the motion, Senator Danjuma Goje said the motion was very important and timely. He added that many things are wrong with the power sector. Goje also supported the setting up of ad-hoc committee to investigate the management of funds appropriated for the sector since 1999.
In his contribution, Senator Dino Melaye said the progress of the 8th Senate and the APC led government would be judged on the way they tackle the power sector problem.
The Senate President Senator Bukola Saraki in his remarks said the 8th Senate is committed to resolving the issue of power supply in the country. He added that approving the motion and prayers was a good sign that the Senate will get to the root of the problem
