The House of Representatives Sub-Committee on the Protection of Critical National Assets has dismissed a petition alleging corruption against the Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO), submitted by the Association for Public Policy Analysis (APPA).
The association, a civil society organisation, through its President, Princewill Okorie, had accused NELMCO of misappropriation of funds, questionable operations, and other related allegations. APPA also questioned the continued existence of NELMCO 12 years after the privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
At the resumed public hearing on Thursday, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Dabo Ismail, stated that the panel took the allegations seriously and immediately launched a comprehensive investigation to uncover the facts.
“Our findings confirm that NELMCO’s existence is backed by the provisions of the Nigerian Electricity Act, 2023. The claim that the agency should have been dissolved in 2017 following the privatisation of PHCN is inaccurate,” he said.
Ismail added that NELMCO provided all the necessary documentation to prove its continued existence in line with the Nigerian Electricity Act. He noted that the company assumed responsibility for all assets and liabilities of PHCN and its successor companies.
Also Read: APPA Urges House to Investigate NELMCO’s Alleged Unlawful Activities
Responding to the allegation that NELMCO spent ₦94 million on a five-day retreat in Lagos, the Managing Director of NELMCO, Mojoyinoluwa Dekalu-Thomas, described the claim as false and misleading.
She stated that the agency was prepared to present evidence of the expenditures incurred during the retreat.
“The Director-General of the Debt Management Office, the Director-General of the Bureau for Public Procurement, executive directors of NELMCO, and two non-executive directors were in attendance,” she said.
According to her, 25 facilitators also participated in the retreat, which was held over five days at the Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos. She said there were pictures and documentary evidence to support the expenses, which included flights, logistics, meals, and accommodation all amounting to the ₦94 million spent.
She emphasised that it was not a one-day event and that the Minister of Power was present throughout the retreat, as documented.
Chairman Ismail said, “Considering the calibre of dignitaries that attended the five-day retreat, the ₦94 million expenditure is justifiable.”
In his contribution, committee member Mr. Billy Osawaru said there was no need for further deliberation on the matter since the funds had been properly appropriated.
“Was the money appropriated? Mr. Chairman, if it was, then it means it was brought before us at some point and approved. I don’t think we should revisit the matter if all necessary documentation has been submitted,” he said.
Ismail confirmed that all documents related to the retreat, including payment receipts and logistical details, were submitted by NELMCO during the investigation.
He also dismissed the petitioner’s claim that NELMCO had purchased an office in Northern Nigeria, stating, “We found no evidence supporting the claim of an office purchase in the North.”
The Committee urged the petitioner to come forward with any new findings, assuring that it would handle every petition with fairness and in the best interest of Nigerians.
