LAGOS, Nigeria – The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) is grappling with a looming power disconnection after receiving a final notice from the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) demanding payment of an outstanding electricity bill totaling over ₦89 million. The institute’s Director-General, Professor John Obafunwa, has raised serious concerns over the escalating electricity costs and the absence of a dedicated meter at the institute’s premises, describing the situation as a threat to critical health research in Nigeria.
At a press briefing on Friday, Prof. Obafunwa disclosed that despite limited power supply-often less than 10 hours daily-NIMR has been billed exorbitantly, with monthly electricity charges ranging between ₦44 million and ₦52 million. The institute, which is donor-supported and non-commercial, is being billed as if it operates a large manufacturing facility, a characterization it strongly disputes.
A key point of contention is EKEDC’s use of estimated billing due to the prolonged absence of a functional electricity meter on NIMR’s site. According to Obafunwa, the meter EKEDC claims exists is locked away at the company’s Jibowu office, preventing accurate verification of electricity consumption. Repeated requests for installation of a dedicated meter have been ignored.
The situation escalated after NIMR attempted to install its own monitoring meters, following which the April 2025 electricity bill surged to ₦52 million. EKEDC then issued a final disconnection notice, demanding a minimum payment of ₦62.4 million by April 28 to avoid power cut-off.
Obafunwa emphasized the grave risks posed by frequent power disruptions to NIMR’s sensitive biomedical research. The institute houses temperature-sensitive reagents, biological samples, and diagnostic equipment, much of which is funded by international donors. Interruptions in power supply threaten the integrity of ongoing research projects and could lead to the withdrawal of donor support.
The Director-General revealed that the institute’s electricity budget for 2024 was ₦20 million-far below the actual bills-and although it was increased to ₦145 million for 2025, the funding gap remains significant. To manage costs, NIMR has had to restrict electricity supply in residential quarters, cutting power from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., a measure deemed unsustainable.
In response, Prof. Obafunwa called on the federal government, regulatory authorities including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the public to intervene urgently. He also indicated that NIMR is exploring alternative energy sources to reduce dependence on the national grid.
EKEDC’s General Manager of Corporate Communications, Babatunde Lasaki, clarified that tariff rates are regulated by NERC and not arbitrarily set by distribution companies. He acknowledged the regulatory framework but did not directly address NIMR’s specific complaints about metering.
The disconnection notice, signed by EKEDC’s Ijora District Business Manager, Mr. Sanyash Clement, warned that failure to meet the payment deadline would result in service withdrawal, further jeopardizing NIMR’s operations.
The ongoing electricity crisis at NIMR highlights broader challenges faced by public research institutions in Nigeria, where infrastructure deficits and billing disputes threaten critical scientific work vital to national health security.
Key Facts:
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NIMR faces a final disconnection notice from EKEDC over an ₦89 million electricity debt.
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Monthly bills have ranged from ₦44 million to ₦52 million despite limited power supply.
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No dedicated electricity meter installed at NIMR; EKEDC uses estimated billing.
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NIMR’s electricity budget increased from ₦20 million (2024) to ₦145 million (2025) but still insufficient.
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Power disruptions threaten sensitive biomedical research and donor-funded projects.
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NIMR exploring alternative energy sources to mitigate crisis.
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EKEDC states tariffs are regulated by NERC, not set by distribution companies.