Nigeria’s House of Reps Issues Ultimatum to REA MD, NEP Head Over Probe of Billions in Renewable Energy Funds

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has issued a two-day ultimatum to the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, and the Head of the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP), Olufemi Akinyelure, to appear before lawmakers as part of an ongoing investigation into billions of dollars in renewable energy funds allocated to Nigeria between 2015 and 2024.

The probe, being conducted by the House Committee on Renewable Energy, focuses on fund disbursement, project implementation and compliance with statutory and financial regulations governing Nigeria’s rapidly expanding renewable energy sector.

Renewable Energy Funds Under Legislative Scrutiny

Chairman of the committee, Afam Ogene, issued the ultimatum during a resumed investigative hearing in Abuja on Tuesday, expressing frustration over what he described as the repeated failure of the agency’s leadership to honour invitations extended by the panel.

Ogene warned that failure by the officials to appear before the committee on Thursday, March 5, 2026, would compel lawmakers to invoke their constitutional powers to enforce attendance.

“The MD of the Rural Electrification Agency, despite his subterfuge to avoid appearing before this committee, will not get away with it lightly,” Ogene said.
“The Constitution is clear that this committee has the authority to compel appearance. However, in the spirit of magnanimity, we are issuing a final invitation for them to appear on Thursday at 2 p.m., failing which this committee will have no other option but to issue a warrant of arrest.”

Lawmakers say the investigation forms part of the National Assembly’s constitutional responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public and donor-funded renewable energy programmes.

Nigeria Electrification Programme Projects Under Review

The probe covers nearly a decade of renewable energy financing tied to the Nigeria Electrification Programme, which has been implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency to expand electricity access to rural and underserved communities.

The programme has supported the deployment of:

• solar mini-grid projects
• standalone solar home systems
• grid extension infrastructure

These projects are designed to improve electricity access in remote communities while supporting Nigeria’s broader clean energy transition.

However, lawmakers say concerns have emerged over the pace of project implementation, transparency in fund utilisation and adherence to procurement and financial regulations.

Jurisdictional Dispute Emerges Within the House

The investigation has also revealed an emerging jurisdictional dispute within the House of Representatives regarding which committee holds primary oversight responsibility over the REA.

In a letter dated February 27, 2026, Chairman of the House Committee on Rural Electrification, Muhammad Bukar, stated that his panel remains the duly constituted standing committee vested with primary oversight of the Rural Electrification Agency, including its financial operations and project implementation activities.

According to the correspondence, the adoption of motions referencing renewable energy agencies does not override the formal allocation of oversight responsibilities among the House’s specialised committees.

Bukar clarified that while the Committee on Renewable Energy maintains a broad policy mandate across the sector, operational, financial and administrative oversight of the REA falls under the jurisdiction of the Rural Electrification Committee.

He therefore directed the agency to channel all matters relating to legislative oversight, documentation requests and official correspondence strictly through his committee.

The letter further warned that parallel inquiries without formal coordination could undermine institutional order, noting that the House maintains more than 120 specialised committees precisely to prevent overlapping mandates.

Growing Focus on Renewable Energy Financing in Nigeria

The unfolding developments come amid increasing scrutiny over the management of renewable energy funds in Nigeria.

Between 2015 and 2024, Nigeria secured significant financing from multilateral development institutions and international partners to expand electricity access in rural and off-grid communities.

Through the Nigeria Electrification Programme, the Rural Electrification Agency has been responsible for deploying renewable energy infrastructure aimed at reducing energy poverty and supporting economic activity in underserved regions.

Energy analysts note that the programme has been central to Nigeria’s off-grid electrification strategy, particularly through solar mini-grid deployment and renewable energy investment.

Nonetheless, lawmakers say the current investigation seeks to determine:

• how renewable energy funds were allocated
• the status of completed and ongoing projects
• whether procurement and financial rules were followed
• and whether contractual and statutory obligations were fully met.

Implications for Renewable Energy Investment and Donor Confidence

Observers say the outcome of the probe could have broader implications for renewable energy investment, donor confidence and legislative oversight of electrification programmes in Nigeria.

Nigeria has attracted substantial international financing to support clean energy expansion and improve electricity access across rural communities.

Ensuring transparency and accountability in the utilisation of these funds is considered essential to maintaining investor confidence and sustaining future renewable energy financing flows.

With the March 5 deadline approaching, attention is now focused on whether the REA Managing Director and the NEP leadership will honour the committee’s summons or face the possibility of enforcement action by lawmakers.

The findings of the investigation are expected to shape future legislative action aimed at strengthening governance, improving transparency and accelerating rural electrification efforts across Nigeria.