By Comfort Olayinka
The chairman House committee on Public Accounts Hon Bamidele Salam has expressed concern over the exorbitant electricity costs in teaching hospitals, medical centers, and universities.
Hon Bamidele raised this concern during the plenary session as a matter of urgent importance on Tuesday, July 9 highlighted the significant increase in electricity tariffs, from N68 per kilowatt-hour to N225/kWh, representing a 240% hike stating that the electricity tariff hike, has resulted in unaffordable electricity bills for these institutions.
The motion noted that teaching hospitals, medical centers, and universities are categorized under Band A, requiring constant power supply for medical equipment and procedures.
He further said high electricity costs pose a significant burden on these institutions, threatening their operations and services. The motion cited examples of teaching hospitals struggling to pay their electricity bills, with some owing millions of naira.
The House resolved to urge the Federal Government to provide mini solar grids as an alternative power source to support these institutions. This move aims to alleviate the burden of high electricity costs and ensure the continued operation of these critical institutions.
The committees on Health Institutions, Rural Electricity Agency, and Power were mandated to ensure compliance with the House’s resolution, ensuring that these institutions receive the support they need to continue providing essential services to Nigerians.
