The Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, has expressed frustration over Eko Electricity Distribution Company’s (Eko DISCO) unprofessional conduct and high-handedness. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, January 27, 2025, Prof. Obafunwa highlighted the company’s repeated threats to disconnect the institution despite ongoing disputes over billing and their request for prepaid meters.
NIMR recently received a one-week disconnection notice, prompting the DG to criticize Eko DISCO’s aggressive billing practices. Prof. Obafunwa stated, “They send in a bill today, and I’m told if we don’t pay by a certain date, we will be disconnected. Such bold and arrogant utterances are unacceptable.”
While acknowledging an inherited backlog of debts totaling approximately ₦39 million, the DG clarified that the institute had cleared subsequent bills of ₦48-49 million with the help of foreign partners. However, he questioned why the power company continued to issue estimated bills without installing prepaid meters, despite repeated requests from the institution.
The DG further criticized the poor communication and lack of courtesy displayed by the company, citing an instance where a letter was delivered late at night. Despite efforts by NIMR to adopt energy-saving measures, electricity costs remain excessively high, reinforcing the institution’s demand for transparency and prepaid meters.
Prof. Obafunwa called on Eko DISCO to resolve the ongoing issues promptly, ensuring fair and ethical service delivery to NIMR and its residential community.
