The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has expressed serious concerns over the Nigerian government’s failure to implement a promised 50% reduction in electricity tariffs for healthcare institutions, six months after the intervention was announced.
This was contained in a communique dated 30th January, 2025 after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Ilorin, Kwara State, MDCAN warned that the delay is putting immense pressure on the healthcare system, hindering the delivery of quality services and staff training. “High energy costs are crippling our hospitals and healthcare facilities, making it increasingly difficult to provide essential services to Nigerians,” the statement read.
In August 2024, the Nigerian government announced a 50% electricity subsidy for universities and health institutions under Band A feeders, aimed at reducing the burden of rising energy costs. Despite the promise, MDCAN reports that institutions like teaching hospitals continue to face high electricity bills, with little to no relief in sight.
MDCAN is urging the federal government to implement the subsidy without delay, stating that the failure to do so is damaging the healthcare sector. “We call on the government to act urgently to ensure that these reductions are enforced, enabling healthcare providers to continue their work without the added stress of crippling energy costs,” the association stated.
Beyond the tariff issue, MDCAN also called on state governments to mirror the federal policy and adopt similar energy cost reductions for state-owned hospitals. The association further urged authorities to explore renewable energy alternatives to address Nigeria’s ongoing power crisis.
MDCAN’s statement comes amid increasing concerns about workforce shortages, particularly as the “Japa syndrome” sees a growing number of healthcare professionals leaving the country. The association also highlighted the negative impact of poor working conditions, urging both federal and state governments to take immediate action.
