House of Representatives Urges FG to Implement Solar Power Solutions in Hospitals and Universities

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to address the ongoing power supply issues in Nigeria by providing alternative energy sources, such as solar power, to teaching hospitals, medical centers, and universities. This resolution was adopted following a motion moved by Mr. Bamidele Salam, representing Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency in Osun State, during Tuesday’s plenary session.

• Urgent Public Importance: The motion, titled “Matter of urgent public importance on the need for the Federal Government to devise means to support teaching hospitals, medical centers and universities with mini solar grids and other alternative power sources to prevent loss of lives and disruptions in their services,” was put forth due to the erratic power supply in the country.
• Electricity Tariff Increase: Mr. Salam highlighted that on April 3, 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) raised the electricity tariff for Band A customers from N68 per kilowatt-hour to N225/kWh. Although the House previously called for the suspension of this new tariff, the commission only reduced it slightly to N206.8/kWh.
• Impact on Institutions: Teaching hospitals, medical centers, and universities, which fall under Band A due to their critical need for constant power, have been significantly affected by the tariff increase. These institutions face exorbitant electricity bills, which are unsustainable given their current budgets. For instance, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital pays N75 million monthly, while the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital pays N119 million per month.
• Financial Strain: The University of Ibadan, which was already indebted to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company for N495 million, had its power disconnected due to non-payment. Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, Secretary to the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, warned that without intervention, federal universities might collapse under the high overhead costs.
• Call to Action: The House urged the Federal Government to provide support through mini solar grids and other alternative power sources to mitigate the financial burden of high electricity bills. This move is deemed essential to prevent the collapse of the health and education sectors, which are vital to the nation’s well-being.

By adopting this motion, the House of Representatives aims to ensure that teaching hospitals, medical centers, and universities can continue their critical operations without being hampered by power supply issues and exorbitant electricity costs.