Reps summon REA contractors over energising education projects

2026-02-24 - 18:26

By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja The House of Representatives has summoned contractors handling renewable energy projects under the Rural Electrification Agency (REA)’s Energising Education Programme (EEP) Phases I–III, as part of an ongoing probe into the implementation of green energy initiatives across federal institutions. The directive, issued by the House Committee on Renewable Energy, follows Resolution HR.80/10/2025, adopted on October 22, 2025, mandating a review of the placement and execution of renewable energy projects in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). In a letter to the REA, the committee requested that all contractors present themselves with full project documentation, including contract awards, executed agreements, engineering drawings, feasibility studies, project status reports, commissioning records, and maintenance agreements. Projects under review include solar hybrid installations in several federal universities and teaching hospitals nationwide. Chairman of the Committee on Renewable Energy, Afam Victor Ogene, said the hearing aims to ensure compliance with due process, verify project quality, and assess the sustainability of installations. He raised concerns about the frequent malfunctioning of solar-powered streetlights, highlighting the need to prevent substandard implementation and economic wastage. “The prevalence of failed installations raises serious questions about procurement practices, maintenance culture, and value for public investment,” Ogene noted. He added that MDAs may be required to source at least 50% of their power needs from renewable energy, a move expected to stimulate investment, create jobs, and enhance sustainability. Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Deputy Leader Hon. Ibrahim Halims, described the inquiry as a crucial parliamentary assignment aimed at strengthening transparency and institutional integrity. He highlighted the legislative focus on integrating renewable energy into Nigeria’s electricity mix and promoting sustainable development. The investigative hearing is expected to scrutinize compliance with due process, identify underperforming projects, and recommend corrective actions to improve Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.