The House of Representatives has explained that its proposal requiring Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government to source at least 50 per cent of their electricity needs from renewable energy is aimed at strengthening energy security, cutting governance costs and accelerating Nigeria’s transition to sustainable power.
Speaking at the start of the investigative hearing of the House Committee on Renewable Energy at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, the Speaker of the House, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, said the initiative reflects the resolve of the 10th Assembly to promote clean energy as a strategic pillar of economic growth.
Represented by the Deputy House Leader, Hon. Halims Abdullahi, the Speaker stated that persistent electricity shortages and the heavy reliance on generators by public institutions have imposed enormous financial and environmental costs on the nation.
According to him, the Electricity Act, 2023 was deliberately designed to provide a holistic and integrated framework that recognises all sources of power generation while mandating the deliberate integration of renewable energy into Nigeria’s energy mix.
He noted that creating a dedicated Committee on Renewable Energy — the first of its kind in Nigeria’s legislative history underscores the House’s commitment to closely monitor implementation of the renewable component of the Act and ensure effective oversight of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The Chairman of the Committee, Afam Victor Ogene, explained that the 50 per cent renewable power proposal is not merely environmental in focus but an economic reform measure designed to reduce diesel and petrol expenditure across MDAs.
He explained that shifting a significant portion of government energy consumption to renewable sources would lower operational costs, reduce carbon emissions and stimulate job creation in solar, wind and other green energy value chains.
Ogene added that the proposal would also encourage investment in decentralised energy solutions such as solar mini-grids and rooftop systems suitable for public institutions.
Strengthening Oversight
Both the Speaker and the Committee Chairman emphasised that successful implementation would depend on transparency, strict adherence to due process and strong institutional oversight.
The ongoing investigative hearing is also examining the domiciliation of renewable energy projects in MDAs, foreign grants and investments received in the sector since 2015, and the current level of renewable energy utilisation across federal institutions.
The committee maintained that by leading through example, government agencies can drive broader national adoption of renewable energy technologies, reduce pressure on the national grid and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s long-term economic sustainability.
