The House of Representatives Sub-Committee on the Protection of Critical National Assets has dismissed a petition alleging corruption against the Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO), brought by the civil society organization, Association for Public Policy Analysis (APPA).
APPA, had accused NELMCO of financial mismanagement and opaque operations, while also questioning the agency’s continued existence more than a decade after the privatisation of Nigeria’s power sector.
At a resumed public hearing on the matter on Thursday, Committee Chairman Hon. Dabo Ismail stated that the panel had thoroughly investigated the claims and found them to be without merit.
According to him, the Nigerian Electricity Act of 2023 legally affirms NELMCO’s mandate, countering APPA’s assertion that the agency should have been wound down following the 2013 unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
“We requested and received documents confirming NELMCO’s legal standing under the 2023 Electricity Act,” he said. “The law mandates NELMCO to manage the assets and liabilities of the defunct PHCN and its successor companies. Our verification supports this position.”
Speaking on claims that NELMCO spent N94 million on a five-day retreat in Lagos, the company’s Managing Director, Mojoyinoluwa Dekalu-Thomas, clarified that the expenditure covered logistics for 25 attendees, including top government officials and facilitators.
She said:“The retreat was held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos, with participants including the DGs of the Debt Management Office and the Bureau of Public Procurement, as well as executive and non-executive directors.
“We have photo and documentary evidence to support all expenses related to flights, accommodation, meals, and logistics. The Minister of Power also attended the full event.”
Hon. Ismail affirmed that NELMCO submitted all relevant documentation.
S committee member noted the high cost of accommodations at the Eko Signature Hotel, adding context to the retreat expenses. “A moderate room goes for N650,000 per night. For 25 people over five nights, that alone amounts to N81 million, excluding meals and flights,” the member said. “Though the figure sounds large, it is understandable.”
Hon. Billy Osawaru emphasized that the funds were duly appropriated. “If this money was approved as part of the budget process, there’s no need to revisit it now. They’ve provided evidence, so we should move on.”
Besides,the committee found no proof to support the allegation that NELMCO acquired an office in Northern Nigeria, as claimed by APPA.
Dismissing the petition, the committee urged the petitioner and other civil society actors to continue bringing forward credible information.
