The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating Nigeria’s power sector reforms and expenditure from 2007 to 2024 has summoned the Minister of Water Resources, heads of major water agencies, and all signatories to the 2005 concession agreement for the 40MW Dadin-Kowa Hydropower Project.
The decision followed a presentation by Mabon Generating Company, the concessionaire handling the project, which revealed delays, gaps, and inconsistencies that lawmakers described as unacceptable.
Committee Chairman, Arch. Ibrahim Almustapha Aliyu directed the committee secretariat to summon the following:
- Minister of Water Resources
- Managing Director, Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority
- Managing Director, Hadejia–Jama’are River Basin Development Authority
- Chief Executive, Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission
- Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC)
- Signatories to the original concession agreement and its addendum
These officials are expected to appear before the committee on 4 December 2025.
Aliyu expressed concerns that almost 20 years into the 25-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) concession, the project continues to suffer setbacks, unclear responsibilities, and approval bottlenecks. He questioned the due diligence carried out by Mabon and supervising agencies, stating:
- “From 2005 to date, 20 years have gone. You entered into an agreement after confirming the facility was fit. Now, midway, you suddenly realise there are challenges.”
The committee also requested the appraisal committee report that reviewed the initial agreement, documents relating to performance assessments, generation output, payment issues, and all regulatory approvals.
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Mabon Generating Company disclosed that it has delivered more than 700 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity to the national grid since 2021 without receiving grants or direct loans from the Federal Government. Chief Operating Officer Umar Shehu Hashidu confirmed that all required documents—including the 2005 concession, the 2015 addendum, and regulatory clearances—have been submitted.
In a broader update on national power reforms, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, highlighted the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), which aims to eliminate Nigeria’s seven-million-meter deficit and reduce sector losses.
Representing the PMI Director, Obafemi Sotebo said the initiative will enhance revenue assurance, curb estimated billing, and create a nationwide network of smart meters capable of remote auditing. According to him, closing the metering gap could reduce electricity losses from the current 45–50% to 12–15%, aligning with global standards.
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