Reps panel again summons REA MD, demands written response within 48 hours

The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy has again summoned Abba Aliyu, managing director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), to appear before it on Tuesday, March 2, following his absence at its investigative hearing on renewable energy.

The Committee had on Tuesday ordered the MD to appear before it on Wednesday at 11 am or risk arrest by the Inspector-General of Police, but the MD failed to appear.

Afam Ogene, chairman of the committee, who issued the directive on Wednesday, expressed strong displeasure over the absence of the MD and ordered the Agency to submit a comprehensive written response to issues raised by the Committee within 48 hours.

Kwamoti Laori, a member of the Committee, described the development as highly disrespectful, warning that such conduct should no longer be tolerated. He called for the issuance of a warrant of arrest through the Inspector-General of Police if the directive is not complied with.

Similarly, Shina Oyedeji stressed that public officers must account for their stewardship, particularly given the substantial grants and public funds managed by the Agency.

Responding on behalf of the Agency, Gboyega Ayoade, executive director, Corporate Services, tendered an unreserved apology and appealed for more time, insisting that the Managing Director’s absence was neither deliberate nor intended to disrespect the Committee.

Meanwhile, the National President of the Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN), High Chief Vitus Ofodum Vitus Ikenna, urged the Committee to mandate the use of certified electrical professionals in renewable energy projects nationwide.

He warned that domiciling green energy projects with entities lacking technical capacity could result in substandard installations, safety hazards, and loss of public funds.

LECAN, whose members are certified by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) under the Electricity Act 2023, expressed concern that many donor-funded renewable energy projects are awarded to unqualified contractors, leading to abandoned or failed installations.

Ikenna called for stronger enforcement powers for NEMSA to prosecute safety and standards violations, maintaining that stricter oversight is critical to protecting lives, ensuring sustainability, and guaranteeing value for money in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.