By Atoyebi Nike
The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee probing Nigeria’s power sector reforms from 2007 to 2024 has summoned the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, alongside top officials of key water agencies, over delays and inconsistencies in the 40MW Dadin-Kowa hydropower project.
Committee Chairman Ibrahim Almustapha Aliyu issued the summons after concessionaire Mabon Generating Company highlighted operational gaps during a National Assembly presentation.
Officials required to appear on 4 December 2025 include managing directors of the Upper Benue and Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authorities, the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, and all signatories to the 2005 concession and its addendum.
Aliyu questioned whether both the concessionaire and supervising authorities exercised due diligence, noting that nearly 20 years into the 25-year BOT concession, the project has faced delays, unclear agency responsibilities, and approval challenges. The committee also demanded appraisal reports, performance assessments, generation data, and payment records.
Mabon Generating Company reported delivering over 700 million kWh to the national grid since 2021 without federal grants or loans. COO Umar Shehu Hashidu confirmed the company’s full cooperation and submitted all requested documentation.
Separately, the Presidency said the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) is targeting Nigeria’s seven-million-meter deficit and high sector losses. Represented by PMI Director Obafemi Sotebo, Special Adviser on Energy Olu Verheijen noted the project will cut ATC&C losses from 45-50% to 12-15% through nationwide smart metering and the end of estimated billing.
