The European Union has committed £10.4 million to electrify primary health centres across Nigeria, aiming to provide a 24-hour green and reliable electricity supply and reduce CO2 emissions. The project, to be implemented by NTU International, was announced during the inauguration of the Steering Committee for the Nigeria Solar for Health Project in Abuja.
Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation for the EU in Nigeria, revealed that the project would initially select five health centres in each of nine states. “This project stands out because we are not only installing infrastructure but also establishing a management system for the health care and the community to ensure long-term electricity provision,” De Luca stated.
The project will identify 45 sites across nine states using a methodology based on scientific principles from the UN’s Joint Research Service. The goal is to ensure these centres receive sustainable and reliable power solutions.
Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, represented by Owolabi Sunday, Director of Renewable Energy and Rural Access at the Federal Ministry of Power, emphasized the critical need for constant power in health centres. “The lack of access to sustainable electricity limits health facilities’ ability to provide quality care, affecting their ability to store vaccines, operate longer hours, or perform life-saving procedures,” he said.
Tinyan Ogiehor, Stakeholder Manager at NTU International, noted that ten states had shown interest in the project. “The EU has significantly supported Nigeria’s energy system towards achieving clean and accessible energy. State governments’ counterpart funding is required for the operations and maintenance of the solar systems. We are engaging communities to get involved,” Ogiehor explained.
The initiative is expected to enhance the quality of healthcare services in Nigeria by ensuring that health centres have a reliable power supply, thereby improving their operational efficiency and capacity to deliver essential medical services.
