…set to investigate Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project transactions
The Nigerian Senate on Thursday passed into law the bill that seeks to establish the North Central Development Commission (NCDC).
Sponsored by Senator Abba Patrick Moro, the Senate Minority Leader and senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, the bill aims to address pressing issues in the North Central region of Nigeria.
The NCDC Bill successfully passed through its first and second readings on October 5, 2023, and February 21, 2024, respectively.
Originally introduced during the 9th Senate session by Senator Moro, the bill garnered initial support but did not receive presidential assent before the Senate’s term expired.
In his lead debate, Senator Moro emphasized that the commission’s primary mandate would include managing federal and donor funds aimed at resettling victims of floods, farmer/herder clashes, and communal disputes.
Additionally, the NCDC will oversee the reconstruction of infrastructure such as roads, houses, and business premises. It will also focus on large-scale drainage projects, river dredging to control floods in Rivers Niger and Benue, and addressing poverty and illiteracy in the North Central region.
The passage of the bill followed adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Special Duties submitted during plenary.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary, congratulated Senator Moro and all those who contributed to the success of the bill.
He expressed optimism that President Tinubu would assent to the bill for the overall development of North Central Nigeria, which comprises Kogi, Niger, Benue, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The Senate also established an ad-hoc committee to investigate all transactions related to the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project (MHEPP) from 1999 to date.
This decision followed a motion titled “Urgent need to address the challenges of commencing the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project” sponsored by Senator Manu Haruna, who represents Taraba Central, and co-sponsored by 28 other senators.
In his lead debate, Senator Haruna noted that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power, signed a contract in 2017 with a consortium of Chinese contractors, including CGGC, SHC, and CGOC, to construct a 3050 MW Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State. The contract was valued at $5.792 billion.
Senator Haruna expressed concern over the contradictory information surrounding the project, which he believes could hinder its successful implementation and the benefits it promises to bring to the people of Nigeria.
Supporting the motion, other senators highlighted the importance of properly handling the project. They stressed that for the project to proceed, it must receive the approval of President Bola Tinubu.
Consequently, the Senate resolved that the Committees on Finance, Power, Water Resources, and Appropriation should investigate the matter and report back within four weeks.
Recall that the Tinubu administration participated in the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in December 2023, where he emphasized the need to take actions to improve Nigeria’s electricity supply through renewable energy.
