FG, EU reiterate commitment to strengthening Nigeria Solar for health project

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.

The European Union describes the third National Steering Committee meeting of the Nigeria Solar for Health Project as “a testament to our shared commitment” and reaffirming its “unwavering belief in the transformative power of sustainable energy” to strengthen Nigeria’s health systems.

Massimo De Luca, Head of Co-operation, European Union (EU) Delegation announced the signing up of two additional states to the five initial beneficiary states noting that each partnering state is pivotal in advancing clean energy access for health facilities across Nigeria.

“Reflecting on the progress so far, the EU commends participating states, noting their expansion to seven demonstrates “seriousness of purpose” and alignment with the project’s vision.

“It highlights sustainability as “the foundation upon which the long-term success of this initiative rests. Looking ahead, the EU underscores tangible impact, supporting clean solar power for more than 135 health facilities and electrification for over 400 businesses.

“These outcomes represent “real people, real livelihoods, and real opportunities for growth.” 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.
According to him, this will bring 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.

“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)