Reps To Probe Misplacement Of Green Energy Projects

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged misplacement of green and renewable energy projects across government institutions lacking the technical capacity or legal mandate to manage them.

This decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on Wednesday, sponsored by Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi, who represents Oshodi/Isolo II Federal Constituency of Lagos State.

The lawmaker raised concern that several government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have been executing renewable energy projects—such as solar mini-grids and wind farms—without the required expertise or statutory authority. He warned that this trend could lead to inefficiency, duplication of efforts, and waste of public funds.

Onuakalusi said the misplacement of projects undermines the objectives of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and could derail the country’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and the Paris Climate Agreement.

“The House is concerned that this encourages duplication of efforts, delays implementation, and often results in substandard or abandoned projects, thereby wasting public funds and eroding public trust,” he stated.

He added that effective management of renewable energy initiatives requires proper domiciliation with agencies such as the Rural Electrification Agency, Energy Commission of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to ensure sustainability and accountability.

Adopting the motion, the House mandated its Committee on Renewable Energy to investigate the allocation and domiciliation of renewable energy projects across MDAs to verify compliance with due process, capacity requirements, and statutory mandates.

The Committee will also identify instances of mismanagement or underperformance linked to inappropriate project placement and recommend corrective measures, including possible sanctions.

Additionally, the House directed the Federal Government, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Bureau of Public Procurement, to ensure that future green energy projects are assigned only to competent and legally qualified institutions.

Lawmakers further urged the Ministry of Power and the Energy Commission of Nigeria to establish a clear framework for inter-agency coordination in renewable energy implementation and report back within four weeks. The House also proposed amendments to the Electric Power Sector Reform Act to align existing laws with Nigeria’s renewable energy goals.