The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministry of Power and Rural Electrification Agency to allocate emergency resources and prioritize funding for the restoration of electricity in Badagry West and surrounding communities in Lagos State, South West Nigeria.
It also called for the swift repair and upgrade of transmission lines, and transformers so as to ensure total restoration of stable power supply.
The House also mandated the Committee on Power and Rural Electrification to ensure compliance with this directive and report back to the House within eight (8) weeks for further legislative action.
The resolutions were sequel to the adoption of a motion on “Urgent Call to Restore Electricity in Badagry West and other Affected Communities within Badagry Federal Constituency After Over Four Years of Prolonged Blackout’, moved by Mr. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan.
The House noted that the entire Badagry West and other communities within the Badagry Federal Constituency, a region of deep cultural and historical importance have been without electricity for over four years, forcing residents to rely on costly and unsustainable fuel-powered generators.
“This financial burden, compounded by surging fuel prices, has caused widespread hardship for households, small businesses, and essential services.
“It further notes that this devastating blackout has crippled essential services across the constituency, with far-reaching effects on healthcare, education, and agriculture. Healthcare centers struggle to keep essential vaccines and medicines refrigerated, medical facilities cannot power crucial equipment, and schools are left without conducive learning environments. Local farmers also face challenges in irrigation and produce preservation, leading to financial loss and limited agricultural productivity.
“Recognizes that Badagry, as a coastal and historic city, holds enormous tourism and economic potential, yet the prolonged blackout has deterred both local and international visitors, reducing the area’s revenue-generating capacity and stifling job creation. Additionally, the absence of electricity exacerbates security risks, particularly in a border community like Badagry, where poor lighting and limited resources increase vulnerability to criminal activities, intensifying the fears and struggles of residents” the motion read.
It also read that “Aware that this blackout not only hinders equitable development but is also a pressing humanitarian concern. Access to reliable electricity is vital to public safety, improved quality of life, and economic empowerment, directly aligning with the Federal Government’s commitments to sustainable development, reduced fuel dependency, and enhanced citizen well-being”.
Emmanuel Ukoh
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