By Patricia Amogu
The Federal Government and the European Union (EU) have reiterated their commitment to strengthening the Nigeria Solar for Health Project, a power rollout initiative designed to deploy sustainable energy solutions to healthcare facilities across the country.
The commitment was reaffirmed at the third Federal Steering Committee meeting of the Nigeria Solar for Health Project held in Abuja, where two additional states were signed on to the project.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, in his opening remarks, said the project represents a critical intersection between energy access and healthcare delivery.
Adelabu, who was represented by Mr Temitope Dina, Assistant Director, Renewable and Rural Power Access Department, said electricity underpins effective healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
“As we are all aware, reliable electricity is not a luxury in healthcare facilities, it is a necessity. From powering life-saving equipment to ensuring proper storage of vaccines, lighting for surgical procedures and operation of laboratories, electricity underpins the foundation of quality healthcare services.
“Across Nigeria, many primary healthcare centres, particularly in rural and underserved communities, continue to face persistent power challenges.
NISHP was designed to address this gap through the deployment of sustainable, reliable and clean solar energy systems to health facilities nationwide.
“This initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader agenda on universal energy access, renewable energy expansion and improved social services delivery,” he said.
He described the meeting as strategic and timely, noting that the Steering Committee must review implementation progress, address emerging challenges, strengthen inter-agency coordination and ensure efficient and transparent deployment.
Adelabu also acknowledged the collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Power, the Federal Ministry of Health, development partners and implementing agencies.
He noted that renewable energy, particularly solar, plays a central role in Nigeria’s energy transition strategy.
“Projects such as NISHP demonstrate that clean energy solutions can directly improve the lives of our citizens, especially the most vulnerable.
“The success of NISHP will not only improve healthcare outcomes but will also serve as a model for integrated energy solutions across other social sectors,” he added.
Mr Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation, European Union Delegation, announced the addition of two new states to the initial five beneficiary states.
He said Ekiti and Gombe had been signed on, bringing the total number of participating states to seven, alongside Abia, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Ogun and Plateau.
“We are already launching and ready to commence the project in the selected states,” he said.
Mr Tinyan Ogiehor, Stakeholder Manager at NTU International, said the meeting, which brought together representatives from all participating states, focused on sustainability, distribution and operations.
He said discussions emphasised state ownership, stakeholder responsibilities, maintenance and distribution to ensure successful delivery of the Solar for Health Project at both state and national levels, including the newly added states.
“We are holding strategic discussions on how to address sustainability and determine the private sector models required in each state, as well as how they will operate within the states,” Ogiehor said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)
