FG Approves Health Facility Electrification Plan

The Federal Government has approved a new framework to accelerate health facility electrification across Nigeria, targeting reliable round-the-clock electricity for at least 30 per cent of the country’s health facilities by the end of 2027.

The decision was announced after the third meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee (IMSC) overseeing the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative, a presidential programme jointly managed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Power. The committee approved a financing framework, endorsed key institutional reforms and cleared eight private-sector proposals for further engagement to speed up implementation.

Speaking after the meeting, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the initiative continues to make steady progress. He explained that the approved financing model and energy management framework would strengthen health facility electrification and ensure participating hospitals effectively manage their energy systems.

Salako disclosed that Energy Management Teams have already been established in federal tertiary hospitals, while state governments have been encouraged to introduce similar structures in their own health facilities. He added that the government received about 70 private-sector proposals following an investor matchmaking event, with eight shortlisted for further discussions.

He also revealed that the initiative would receive dedicated budgetary support and operate through a permanent project coordination unit. According to him, the government’s goal is to expand health facility electrification through public-private partnerships using sustainable energy solutions tailored to individual facilities.

The minister noted that the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has already installed containerised solar power systems in about 100 hospitals nationwide. He explained that different technologies, including mini-grids and gas-powered systems, would be deployed depending on local needs.

Also speaking, Minister of Power Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe described the programme as one of the Tinubu administration’s flagship initiatives. He said the focus would now shift from groundbreaking ceremonies to commissioning completed projects, stressing that dependable electricity remains essential for quality healthcare delivery.

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