House to Probe $38.7m NNPC-NAOC JV Okpai IPP Project

To investigate plight of retirees under contribution pensions scheme

The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Power to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the NNPC–NAOC Joint Venture Okpai Independence Power Plant Project to ascertain the impediments leading to the abandonment of the project, and report back within four weeks.

This resolution followed the adoption of a motion on: “The Need to Investigate the Abandoned $38.7 million Phase 2 of the NNPC - NAOC Joint Venture Okpai Independence Power Plant Project, moved by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi at plenary yesterday.

Ezechi noted that the Okpai IPP project, a joint venture between the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and the Federal Government, already received approval from the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for the construction of phase 2.

He also noted that despite the substantial investment of $38.7 million, and the commencement of Phase II construction in November 2017, the project ended up being abandoned, resulting in the dilapidation of the critical federal infrastructure.

The lawmaker recalled that the Phase II project has reached approximately 90 per cent completion prior to its abandonment by contractors, Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited (SCNL) and NAOC, and that the project site is in a grave state of decay, with billions of dollars worth of equipment and turbines unused, covered by grass, and taken over by shrubs.

He raised the concern that the abandonment of the phase II project jeopardises significant investments and further hampers increased electricity generation for the nation.

According to him, there is ambiguity surrounding the project's contract amount, casting doubt on accountability and transparency in its execution.

The House in another development also urged the National Pension Commission to investigate the complaints of former employees who have been negatively impacted by the administration of pension funds and ensure strict enforcement of the law.

It also asked for the design of a framework to guide against infractions of the Pension Act, 2014 in furtherance of the anti-corruption stance of the present government.

This was as the House adopted a motion on the plight of retirees under the contribution pension scheme moved by Hon. Clement Jimbo on Tuesday.

Jimbo noted that the Pension Reform Act, 2014, was enacted to govern and regulate the administration of the uniform contributory pension scheme for both the public and private sectors in Nigeria.

He also noted that the objectives of the Pension Act, as spelt out in Section I of the Act, are to establish a uniform set of rules, regulations, and standards for the administration and payment of retirement benefits for the Public Service of the Federation.

He recalled that the Act further establishes a Retirement Savings Account (RSA), which specifies that a holder of the account shall, upon retirement or attaining the age of 50 years, whichever is later, utilise the amount credited to its RSA for the benefits specified.

"Most government retirees complained of rip offs under the guise of managing their benefits and entitlements under the Contributory Pension Fund Scheme operated by the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).