EKO NEWS

NIMR DG, Professor Obafunwa Appeals to Federal Government for Electricity Waiver to Sustain Operations

Published

3 days ago

Jan 1, 2025.

DG NIMR, Prof. Obafunwa Appeals to FG For Electricity Waiver
Prof. Obafunwa Laments The Excesses of EKEDC
DG Requests For Proper Metering of NIMR

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Professor Obafunwa, has appealed to the Federal Government for a waiver on electricity charges to sustain the institute’s operations.

He emphasized that the escalating cost of electricity, which far exceeds NIMR’s allocated budget, has placed the institute in a dire financial situation.

Prof. Obafunwa told EkoHotBlog that NIMR is charged over ₦40 million monthly for electricity by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), whereas the Federal Government’s allocation for such expenses is only ₦20 million.

He added that government hospitals and universities enjoy a 50% electricity waiver, a benefit he believes NIMR should also receive.

Speaking with EkoHotBlog, the DG highlighted that NIMR relies heavily on constant power supply to maintain stringent temperature controls in its laboratories.

These labs house sensitive equipment and materials essential for high-quality research.

The lack of stable electricity compromises the integrity of the institute’s work and threatens its pivotal role in advancing medical research and postgraduate training.

“Our laboratories are critical to national development. Without stable power, sensitive equipment cannot function optimally, and research integrity is at risk,” Prof. Obafunwa stated.

Prof. Obafunwa revealed that NIMR’s financial woes are compounded by the absence of proper metering by EKEDC.

Despite several appeals for meters to ensure accurate billing, the institute has been subjected to arbitrary estimated charges, resulting in inflated electricity costs.

“We have tried reaching out to EKEDC several times to provide meters for accurate billing, but all our efforts have been futile,” he lamented.

The DG further disclosed that three letters were sent to EKEDC regarding metering, but their manager allegedly declined and even threatened to disconnect the institute from the national grid.

In an attempt to manage electricity costs, NIMR implemented load-shedding measures among its resident staff. However, the initiative yielded minimal savings, as the laboratories require uninterrupted power to function effectively.

The institute has also sought support from international organizations to secure alternative energy solutions, including solar power and other renewable systems. However, these initiatives require substantial funding and time to implement.

Professor Obafunwa urged the Federal Government to recognize NIMR’s significance to national development and grant a waiver on electricity costs.

He explained that such a gesture would allow the institute to redirect its limited funds toward acquiring research equipment, funding projects, and supporting postgraduate training programs.

“The government needs to support us by granting a waiver on electricity costs. This will enable us to focus on our primary mission of advancing medical research and training,” he said.

While expressing his commitment to resolving the metering issue with EKEDC, Prof. Obafunwa called on the Federal Government to intervene and hold EKEDC accountable.

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The DG remains very hopeful that with collaborative efforts from the government and international partners, the electricity challenge can be effectively addressed.

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