Reps investigates Power Holding Company 

The House of Representatives has ordered its Committee on Power to probe operational and financial activities of the Niger-Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

The mandate of the Committee includes the review of all contracts awarded by the company since 2004.

The decision to investigate the entity followed the adoption of a motion moved by Chisom Dike on Wednesday.

Giving a background on NDPHC, Dike said “that the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) was conceived in 2004 as a fast-track government funded initiative to stabilize the Nigeria’s electricity supply system while the private-sector-Ied structure of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005 took effect.

“The initial funding for NIPP from the Excess Crude Savings Account (ECSA), the Federal Government incorporated the NDPHC as a limited liability company to serve as the legal vehicle to hold the NIPP assets using private sector-orientated best business practices.”

According to the motion, the awarding of contracts by NDPHC were in violation of the Public Procurement Act of 2007 and also accused the entity of abandoning projects.

“There are widespread allegations and controversies surrounding the award of contracts by the NDPHC for various projects including but not limited to contracts and payment of N350 million for additional works on Lot 14T Transmission Project, N244 million for extra works on New Abeokuta transmissions line (Lot 14-E), N104 million for Papalanto Old Abeokuta New Abeokuta 132 KV DC Transmission line (Lot 14-C).

“Again, the N84 billion was approved for payment of compensation to communities Where transmission lines of power projects were to be laid. Though, despite the claims that over N50 billion had been paid to communities, contractors were said to have been prevented from doing their works by the communities over non-payment of compensation, even as there were allegedly 5eV9Fal other bogus payments made on compensation to communities, including #850 million as compensation to communities which has generated SO much controversy.

“The manner in which the NDPHC has conducted its business for and on behalf of Nigerians, without corresponding results measured in terms of improvements in power supply over the years has deeply entrenched corruption, mismanagement and embezzlement of funds meant to be used for the development of the nation’s power sector,” he stated.