Adopting a motion sponsored Mr Nnamdi Ezechi, at the plenary presided by Speaker Tajudeen Abass, the House mandated its Committee on Power to conduct a thorough investigation into the funding of the project and to ascertain the impediments leading to the abandonment of the project.
The panel which is billed to probe into the roles played by contractors including the Nigerian Agip Oil Company & Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited on the issue is to turn in its report within four weeks.
Ezechi while moving the motion stated that Okpai Independent Power Plant project, a joint venture between the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and the Federal Government, received approval from the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for the construction of phase
He expressed concern that despite the substantial investment and the commencement of phase 2 construction in November 2017, the project has been left abandoned, resulting in a critical federal infrastructure now in a state of dilapidation.
He said he was privy to information that the Phase 2 project has reached approximately 90% completion prior to its abandonment by contractors Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited (SCNL) and Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC).
He added: “Further notes the alarming state of decay on the project site, where billion-dollar worth of equipment and turbines lay unused, covered by grass, and taken over by Shrubs Concerned) that the abandonment of phase 2 not only jeopardizes the significant investment but also hampers the potential increase in electricity generation for the nation.
“Worried about the lack of clarity regarding the contract sum for phase 2, raising questions about the transparency and accountability in the execution of the project.
“Cognizant that the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited (SCNL) were involved in the award and execution of the project.Disturbed by the absence of progress and the need for immediate government intervention to salvage this vital national asset.”
