The 10th House of Representatives has begun consideration of a petition by Abuja Power Company Limited (APCL) against the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation over the proposed Gurara-II Hydropower Project in Niger State.
At the hearing in Abuja, the committee said the dispute falls within its oversight mandate. APCL, through its counsel, alleged it initiated the project in 2004, secured land title from the Niger State Government, but later lost it due to federal вмешion, forcing the company to seek redress in court.
APCL claimed the project was later awarded to CGC Nigeria Limited in violation of procurement and concession laws, and urged the House to restrain the firm or, alternatively, ensure compensation and a transparent bidding process.
Responding, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said Gurara-II is a 360MW multipurpose dam conceived after Gurara-I and awarded to CGC following technical and financial evaluations due to funding constraints.
He added that APCL emerged after procurement and that the ministry could not pursue settlement talks while the matter remains in court.
Lawmakers raised concerns over due diligence, project ownership and ongoing litigation, noting the need to avoid prejudicing court proceedings.
The committee thereafter said it would study all submissions before deciding on further action.
