NIMR DG Raises Alarm: Soaring Electricity Bills, Lack of Meters Threaten Vital Medical Research

NIMR DG Raises Alarm: Soaring Electricity Bills, Lack of Meters Threaten Vital Medical Research

The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) is battling with an electricity crisis that threatens its ability to conduct essential research on endemic and emerging diseases. With monthly electricity bills skyrocketing to tens of millions of Naira under the Band A billing system by Eko Electric, the institute has been forced to adopt drastic measures to sustain operations.

Speaking during a media chat in Lagos, NIMR’s Director General, Prof. John Obafunwa, lamented the financial burden, revealing that electricity bills reached N49 million in August, N48 million in September, and N44 million in October. He noted that these exorbitant costs are crippling research activities at the institute.

“The first bill in August was a staggering N49 million. These exorbitant costs have severely impacted our research activities,” Obafunwa stated.

Despite discovering illegal electricity connections within its premises and notifying the government, the institute continues to face high bills and disconnection threats.

To cope, the institute has implemented strict energy-saving measures, including scheduled power cuts and switching off lab equipment when not in use. Staff and researchers have even contributed personal funds to install inverters and solar panels as a temporary solution.

Obafunwa also disclosed that NIMR lacks electricity meters despite repeated requests to Eko Electric to repair the institute’s panels. “Up till now, NIMR has no meters. Letters have been written four times asking for repairs, but nothing has been done,” he said.

The DG highlighted the institute’s heavy reliance on foreign donors, with 95% of its research funded by organizations like the WHO and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. While grateful for donor support, Obafunwa called for increased government funding to focus on local health challenges.

“It is said that he who pays the piper dictates the tune. Most of this research is what the foreign donors are interested in. We need to recalibrate and focus on issues pertaining to our health conditions,” he emphasized.

Read also: Akpabio Rejects Service Extension for Retired National Assembly Workers

Obafunwa appealed to President Bola Tinubu to address the electricity crisis and improve power supply nationwide. He also urged lawmakers to allocate more funds for local research to tackle Nigeria’s health challenges effectively.

Despite the challenges, NIMR is making strides in its work. The institute is collaborating with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on a Lassa fever vaccine and conducting research on diabetes, hypertension, and genetic predispositions to chronic diseases like kidney failure.

“We have the facilities and human capacity to explore these issues and provide solutions,” Obafunwa said.

The DG expressed hope that increased awareness and government support will enable NIMR to overcome its challenges and expand its vital contributions to public health.