Power Probe: Reps Constitute Seven-Man Sub-Committee to Audit Gas Supplied to Gencos

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating power sector reforms and expenditure between 2006 and 2024 has constituted a seven-man sub-committee to conduct a forensic audit of the usage of gas supplied to electricity generation companies (Gencos) across the country.

The decision followed the adoption of a motion moved by Representative Harrison Nwadike, who questioned the rationale behind the continued supply of gas to the moribund Sapele Power Plant over the past one year.

Nwadike said the committee made the discovery during its recent oversight visit to the plant in Sapele, Delta State, noting that despite receiving gas supplies, the facility has not generated electricity.

Earlier, Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Representative Al-Mustapha Aliyu, said there were widespread concerns among Nigerians that Seplat Energy Company was not supplying adequate gas to Gencos as required, thereby strangulating power plants and short-changing the country.

However, responding to the allegations, the Managing Director of Seplat Energy, Mrs. Ibiada Itoto, dismissed the claims, insisting that the company has remained committed to supporting the Federal Government’s power sector reform agenda.

According to her, Seplat’s primary objective has always been to ensure the sustainability and growth of Nigeria’s power sector, rather than undermining it.

Also speaking, the General Manager, Gas, Seplat Energy Company, Mr. Olubukola Fasoyin, disclosed that the Sapele Power Plant is currently indebted to Seplat to the tune of ₦20 billion for gas supplied.

Despite this, Representative Nwadike, who moved the motion for the forensic audit, alleged that Seplat may have committed an economic crime by allegedly being an accomplice to a power plant that has diverted gas supplied for electricity generation over the past one year.

Reacting, Chairman of the Committee, Representative Aliyu, expressed shock, disappointment and surprise that a company of Seplat’s stature allegedly lacked the internal structure to detect foul play in the utilisation of gas supplied to power plants.

Meanwhile, the committee constituted a seven-man sub-committee to carry out the forensic audit. Members of the sub-committee include Representative Afam Victor Ogene as Chairman, while Kafilat Ogbara, Salisu Magaji, Faud Kayode Laguda, Harrison Nwadike among others will serve as members.