Senate Begins Probe Of Alleged Corruption In Power Sector

THE Senate Friday inaugurated a committee to conduct comprehensive investigation into allegations of unwholesome practices in the power sector.

The committee, which is headed by Senator Abubakar Kyari, is charged with the task of looking closely into the entire power value chain (generation, transmission and distribution)‎ with a view to specifically identifying the problems.

Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki who inaugurated the committee at the Senate yesterday noted that the task before the committee was huge.

He lamented the continued absence of regular supply of electricity despite the country’s huge investments in the sector.
Kyari, in a remark, ‎provided detailed explanation into the nature of the investigation in the sector.
He said the state of power generation, transmission and distribution calls for review of energy policies.

He decried deteriorating power supply, which hovers around 4,600MW, describing it as “highly regrettable”. He assured the Senate that the Committee would beam its searchlight on the teething problem of the sector in order to put things in proper perspectives.

He also promised that the Committee would examine the processes of private companies charged with responsibility of supplying power with a view to verifying why they are asking for bail out and loan facilities from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).