The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the disbursement and utilisation of the N200 billion Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) loan allocated for the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) to Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs).

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Assets, Rep. Uchenna Okonkwo, in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

He confirmed that a 19-member sub-committee had been inaugurated to probe the matter thoroughly.

The NMMP, initiated in 2020, was designed to provide free electricity meters to Nigerian consumers through the Licensed Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs).

The programme was a joint initiative of the CBN, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and other stakeholders in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). It aimed to eliminate estimated billing, improve transparency in energy usage, and enhance customer satisfaction.

NMMP expected to be launched in three phases
The rep said that the programme was to be implemented in three phases to ensure the reduction of collection losses and improve market remittances in the industry.

“Under the pilot phase of the programme’s implementation, CBN commenced with the sum of N59.280 billion for procurement and installation of one million meters in 2020 at an interest rate of 9 per cent after a two year moratorium.

“Preliminary research on the NMMP has shown that instead of the pronounced amount of N59.280 billion naira for the phase 0, what was released was N55.4 billion for procurement and installation of 962,832 meters instead of one million meters pronounced by CBN,” he noted.

Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding repayment. The committee noted discrepancies in the repayment of the funds by the DISCOs.

According to Okonkwo, “Research has also shown that what the eleven Electricity Distribution Companies who received the loan have paid back to CBN as refund for the N54.4 billion they received in 2020 without mentioning the 9 per cent interest on the loan.”

The lawmaker added that the subsequent phases of the programme, which were expected to significantly expand metering across the country, have stalled. Phase 1, which was to be funded by the CBN and Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) for 1.5 million meters, and Phase 2, expected to be financed by the World Bank for four million meters, have yet to take off.

He said that the House, exercising its constitutional powers under Sections 88(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, resolved to investigate the matter with a view to safeguarding public interest.

The sub-committee is expected to scrutinise all aspects of the NMMP funding, from disbursement and meter procurement to distribution and repayment mechanisms.

The 19-member committee comprises Rep. Obed Shehu, Rep. Ali Shettima, Rep. Abel Fuah, Rep. Salisu Koko, Rep. Ahmed Munir, Rep. Sani Umar Bala, Rep. Gbefwi Jonathan, Rep. Abdulmaleek Danga, Rep. Chinedu Obika, and Rep. Okunlola Lanre.

Other members include Rep. Abass Adekunle, Rep. Akinosi Akanni, Rep. Obuzor Victor, Rep. Peter Akpanke, Rep. Ngozi Lawrence, Rep. Ogah Amobi Godwin, and Rep. Ikeagwuonu Onyinye, among others.

The NMMP was expected to be a game-changer in Nigeria’s power sector by reducing estimated billing, enhancing energy accountability, and restoring consumer trust.

However, the current revelations point to implementation failures and possible mismanagement of public funds.

Analysts believe that the outcome of the House probe could lead to reforms in electricity metering policy and strengthen regulatory oversight of loan disbursements to DISCOs.

An advocacy group, Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative (AIRLIN), has called on Nigerians especially residing in Northern parts to get involved in electoral activities by exercising their constitutional rights and voting leaders of their choices.

The national coordinator, Alh. Muhammad Ibrahim Gamawa, made the call during the inauguration ceremony of state and local government coordinators for Kaduna State at the Arewa House.

He said the objective is to sensitise Nigerians on the need to be law abiding citizens, to respect each other irrespective of diversity in religion and culture, noting that citizens are saddled with the responsibility of protecting the country’s image within and outside Nigeria.

“That is why we are here to inaugurate one of our 15 offices we have in the 19 Northern states because our aim is to cover all the Northern states.

We are here to advocate for citizens to come and vote at the Centre because they have to elect their leaders.

Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar, the embattled Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), has quietly withdrawn his lawsuit challenging the controversial appointment of Dr. Mainasara Umar Kogo as his successor—an appointment made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in alleged violation of constitutional procedures.

Newsthumb report that in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1796/2024, filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice Umar—alongside civil society groups—had sought to nullify the appointment of Dr. Kogo.

The respondents listed in the suit included President Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the National Assembly, the National Judicial Council (NJC), and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), among others.

However, in a surprising development, a “Notice of Discontinuance” dated March 20, 2025, and signed by Umar’s legal representatives—M.M. Maidoki, A.G. Salisu, and Jibrin S. Jibrin—was filed in court, effectively ending the legal challenge.

Justice Umar decided to withdraw the suit following intense pressure from family members and respected elders from Toro, Bauchi State—his hometown—who urged him to prioritize family honor and avoid escalating political tensions.

A member of Umar’s legal team disclosed that, despite their firm belief that the President, National Assembly, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, had acted illegally against Umar, they advised him to withdraw the case for the sake of his safety and the integrity of his family.

The removal attempts against Justice Umar ignited serious legal and constitutional controversy involving the Presidency, the National Assembly, and the SGF. President

President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Dr. Kogo was first announced in July 2024 by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale—despite the fact that Justice Umar’s tenure had not expired.

Compounding the controversy, the official appointment letter, signed by SGF George Akume, was dated January 20, 2025, but backdated to November 27, 2024—an action that raised further suspicion among legal scholars and political observers.

The National Assembly also contributed to the confusion by initially citing an incorrect constitutional provision and even misstating the name of the intended appointee—errors they later retracted—raising concerns that Umar’s removal was politically motivated rather than based on proven misconduct.

The move was widely condemned by legal experts, who described it as unconstitutional. Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) including Prof. Mamman Lawan Yusufari, Dr. Wahab Shittu, and Prof. Yemi Akinseye George pointed out that, under the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, it is the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) that are empowered to nominate and recommend candidates for appointment to the CCT—not the President acting unilaterally.
There is no public evidence that the NJC, chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, recommended any successor. Similarly, there is no proof that the National Assembly met the two-thirds majority threshold required to lawfully remove Justice Umar.

The National Assembly’s move to oust Umar was reportedly initiated at the behest of the Presidency, leading to the litigation that has now been withdrawn. Notably, President Tinubu, Attorney-General Fagbemi, and other officials had already filed their statements of defense prior to the discontinuance.

Justice Umar has previously presided over several politically sensitive cases, including the 2012 trial of then-Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu over alleged false asset declarations. Although he discharged Tinubu, he did not acquit him—an outcome some believe might have posed constitutional hurdles during Tinubu’s political ascendancy.

With the withdrawal of the case, it remains uncertain whether Justice Umar will formally vacate his position or seek other avenues to contest Dr. Kogo’s appointment.

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) is a specialized court tasked with upholding ethical standards among Nigerian public officers. It is empowered to try politicians, civil servants, judges, and others accused of breaching the Code of Conduct, including false asset declarations, foreign account ownership, conflicts of interest, and corruption-related misconduct.

Upon conviction, the Tribunal can impose penalties such as removal from office, disqualification from holding public office for up to ten years, and forfeiture of assets improperly acquired.