By Bashir Bello, ABUJA
The House of Representatives has assured Nigerians of efforts to address the country’s persistent electricity supply challenges, raising renewed expectations for action to end recurring power outages affecting homes, businesses and public institutions.
The Chairman of House of Representatives adhoc Committee on Power, Hon Ibrahim Almustapha Aliyu, representing Wurno Raba federal constituency in Sokoto state gave this assurance while briefing newsmen on their investigation into the power sector in Nigeria at his office in NASS, Abuja.
He explained that since the Constitution of the committee they were able to criss-cross through records, documents that were submitted before the Adhoc Committee.
He said they have perused through these documents and were able to establish facts, follow up the facts and set out to physically assessed some of the issues they identified, all the way from Lagos to Benin to Gombe and to so many places in the country
The chairman further said afterwards the committee was able to organize a stakeholders retreat, a public hearing in Lagos where they engaged the critical stakeholders in the industry,
and far-reaching decisions were arrived at.
Hon Ibrahim also said the committee moved to the forensic audit of the financial aspects of the sector its policies and other issues related to legal matters affecting the power industry in Nigeria.
“We believe if our findings and recommendations will be resolved and implemented immediately, Nigerians will begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
He commended the efforts of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu in the power sector and determination to do away with the challenges in the electricity sector.
“Going by this the minister has shown an equal commitment since he assumes office by demonstrating competence going around to see for himself.”
Hon Al-mustapha stressed that:
” with these two positive processes from the side of the executive and our findings we will achieve.rhe desired objective of sustainable power supply in Nigeria”
The assurance comes amid longstanding concerns over unreliable electricity supply, which continues to impose additional costs on households and businesses that depend on alternative sources of power.
Frequent outages have affected commercial activities, increased operating expenses for small businesses and forced many households to spend more on petrol and diesel to power generators.
For manufacturers and other businesses, unreliable electricity also creates difficulties in planning production, meeting customer demands and remaining competitive.
The House’s position places renewed attention on the responsibility of public institutions to pursue practical solutions to the country’s electricity challenges.
However, Nigerians will expect clear timelines, measurable targets and effective oversight to accompany any assurance of improvement.
Beyond promises, sustainable progress will depend on addressing the structural problems affecting electricity generation, transmission and distribution, alongside the financial and operational challenges confronting the power sector.
For millions of electricity consumers, the ultimate measure of success will be a more reliable supply, fewer unexpected outages and a reduction in the cost of keeping homes and businesses running.
