The Federal Government has approved a financing framework and institutional reforms aimed at accelerating the provision of reliable 24-hour electricity to health facilities across Nigeria.
The government is targeting reliable energy access for at least 30 per cent of Nigeria’s health facilities by the end of 2027 under the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative.
Government approves new framework
The approval was announced following a meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee of the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, said the committee approved a financing framework designed to mobilise investment into healthcare electrification.
A separate facility energy management framework was also approved to ensure that participating health facilities can sustainably manage their energy infrastructure.
30% target by 2027
The Federal Government’s target is to provide reliable energy access to at least 30 per cent of the country’s health facilities by the end of 2027.
The initiative is expected to rely heavily on public-private partnerships and energy-as-a-service models.
Different technologies will be deployed depending on the needs and circumstances of individual health facilities, including mini-grids and gas-powered systems.
Eight private sector proposals approved
According to the Ministry of Health, eight private-sector proposals have been cleared for further engagement after emerging from about 70 submissions received during the National Healthcare Electrification Investor Matchmaking Week in Lagos.
The government also said energy management teams have already been established in federal tertiary hospitals.
The Rural Electrification Agency has reportedly installed containerised solar power systems in about 100 hospitals nationwide.
Why reliable electricity matters
Unreliable electricity remains a major challenge for healthcare facilities, where critical services such as operating theatres, laboratories, intensive care units, maternity wards and refrigeration systems require dependable power.
The government says the initiative is intended to improve the reliability and quality of healthcare delivery by reducing dependence on unstable electricity supplies.