Reps issue 48-hour ultimatum to REA MD over alleged mismanagement of renewable energy funds

By Adelabu Jumoke 

The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy has handed a 48-hour ultimatum to the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, demanding a detailed written explanation over allegations of financial mismanagement.

The committee further directed Mr. Aliyu to appear before it on March 2, 2026, warning that failure to comply would result in his arrest on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police.

The directive was issued by the Committee Chairman, Afam Ogene, after the REA chief failed to honour an earlier summons. The committee is probing the disbursement of hundreds of millions of dollars in international grants and federal allocations meant to address Nigeria’s electricity deficit through renewable energy projects.

Abba Aliyu, REA MD

At the centre of the investigation is the management of a $550 million facility provided by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, alongside additional funding from Germany, South Korea, and the European Union. Lawmakers are also examining reports of malfunctioning solar streetlights and renewable energy installations said to have deteriorated within months of completion.

The committee expressed concern over what it described as the waste of public funds and the alleged lack of cooperation from certain agencies, which it said has slowed down investigations ongoing since June 2024.

Committee member Shina Oyedeji stressed that public officials must be accountable for funds entrusted to them, especially those sourced from international donors. He warned that failure to properly account for such resources undermines Nigeria’s credibility.

Lawmakers voiced strong dissatisfaction over Mr. Aliyu’s absence for a second consecutive day, despite invitations reportedly acknowledged since November 2025. Although the REA’s Executive Director of Corporate Services, Gboyega Ayoade, tendered an apology and requested additional time, the committee described the Managing Director’s non appearance as disrespectful and contrary to legislative oversight.

The REA has now been instructed to submit all requested documents—including contract award details, feasibility studies, and progress reports on the Energizing Education Programme—within the stipulated 48 hours. The committee warned that it would invoke its constitutional powers to issue a warrant of arrest if the REA chief fails to appear as directed.