Politics
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.
President-elect Donald Trump has named Chris Wright, an oil and gas executive, to head the US Energy Department. Wright, the founder and CEO of Liberty Energy, is known for his scepticism regarding climate change and is expected to advance Trump’s agenda of increasing fossil fuel production.
Trump praised Wright in a statement, describing him as a “key leader, driving innovation, cutting red tape, and ushering in a new Golden Age of American Prosperity and Global Peace.” The president-elect also announced that Wright will serve on a newly formed Council of National Energy, which aims to guide the United States toward energy dominance through deregulation and encouraging private sector investments.
In related news, Trump’s campaign revealed that Will Scharf, one of the president-elect’s personal lawyers, will become the assistant to the president and White House staff secretary. Trump highlighted Scharf’s legal expertise, referring to him as a “highly skilled attorney who will be a crucial part of my White House team.”
Scharf notably represented Trump in a Supreme Court hearing on presidential immunity, where the court ruled that Trump was partially immune from prosecution for actions taken during his presidency. In his new role, Scharf will manage key documents, including reports and briefings for the president.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is set to visit the Amazon rainforest later today, where he will engage with Brazilian indigenous leaders. This visit underscores his administration’s commitment to environmental and conservation efforts on a global scale.
President-elect Donald Trump has unveiled two significant appointments as he prepares for his return to the White House in January. Elise Stefanik, a 40-year-old New York Congresswoman, has been confirmed as Trump’s choice for the role of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Additionally, Trump has appointed Tom Homan, 62, to be his “border tsar.” Homan previously served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Trump’s first term.
This move comes as the Republican Party inches closer to securing full control of Congress. The GOP has already captured a majority in the Senate and is three seats away from winning the House of Representatives. The Republicans currently hold 215 seats, while Democrats have 210. Control of the 218-seat majority in the House would grant Republicans significant legislative power, including initiating spending bills and launching impeachment proceedings.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to announce Homan’s appointment, saying, “Tom Homan will be in charge of our Nation’s Borders (‘The Border Czar’), including… the Southern Border, the Northern Border, all Maritime, and Aviation Security.” Trump emphasized Homan’s role in deportation efforts, adding, “Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job.”
President Joe Biden has invited President-elect Donald Trump to the White House for a meeting in the Oval Office next week. This tradition of sitting presidents welcoming their successors has been observed for decades, though it was notably absent in 2020 when Trump did not extend the invitation to Biden.
These meetings typically focus on the transition period and key considerations for establishing a new administration. During their sessions, outgoing and incoming presidents often discuss both domestic and foreign policy and emphasize a smooth transition of power.
In 2016, President Barack Obama hosted Trump and later said they agreed to collaborate for the good of the country. Similarly, when President George W. Bush met President-elect Obama in 2008, they talked about economic and security matters, while Laura Bush and Michelle Obama explored the White House grounds.
This upcoming meeting between Biden and Trump marks a significant step as the nation prepares for the presidential transition.
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