The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, revealed the distressing state of corpses decomposing in Nigerian Army mortuaries due to a power outage crisis. The lack of electricity has plagued barracks, leading to dire consequences within the military infrastructure.
Lagbaja’s plea for intervention was directed towards the Minister of Power, emphasizing the urgency to address the N42 billion debt owed to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company. The ramifications of this debt were starkly evident as corpses lay unattended in mortuaries, prompting rightful protests from their bereaved families.
In response, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and pledged to engage in dialogue with Electricity Distribution Companies to alleviate the army’s burden. He stressed the importance of financial stability in the power sector and discussed the complexities and challenges faced by both the army and the energy providers.
Amidst the backdrop of infrastructure vandalism, national grid collapses, and gas supply shortages, Adelabu recognized the deep-rooted issues that have plagued the power sector for decades. He underscored the need for a collaborative effort to explore sustainable solutions and mitigate the recurring crises faced by the army and the nation at large.
As discussions continue on restructuring debt payments and exploring alternative power sources such as solar PVs and BESS for army installations, the spotlight remains on the critical importance of maintaining a functional and sustainable power supply across Nigeria. The plight of decomposing corpses in army mortuaries serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching consequences of unresolved power challenges in the country.
