The European Union (EU) has launched the Nigeria Solar for Health Programme (NISHP) to provide a 24/7 power supply to 45 healthcare facilities across five of the country’s states.
The NISHP will run from 2024 to 2027.
It aims to improve the country’s healthcare system by providing solar power to public health facilities in participating states.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Sunday Owolabi, director of renewable energy and rural access at the ministry, inaugurated the NISHP steering committee in Abuja on behalf of Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
The committee consists of representatives of the ministry of power, ministry of health, technical team, the EU’s head of delegation, and the Rural Electricity Agency of Nigeria.
Investment in healthcare in Nigeria
Local media reported that the EU has pledged £10.4m (around $13.5m) towards the project.
The project is to be implemented by NTU International.
In February, the EU said that a nearly $40 million investment in Nigeria energy sector will be used for mainly hydropower and solar projects geared toward healthcare facilities.
Some of the money will also be allocated to rural electrification projects.
100 hospitals powered by solar hybrid systems
In April, Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) said that so far it has successfully deployed 100 containerised solar hybrid systems (50kW each) across 100 healthcare centres.
And the next phase will focus on REA deploying similar systems to 400 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).
According to data from the Federal Ministry of Health, as of mid-2021, there are 40,368 hospitals and clinics in Nigeria.
These are split between 10,900 private facilities and 29,468 public facilities.
Frequently asked questions
How many people use solar in Nigeria?
At last count, around 500,000 households in Nigeria are hooked up to a solar home system.
What is the target of renewable energy in Nigeria?
The Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP) seeks to increase the supply of renewable electricity from 13% of total electricity generation in 2015 to 23% in 2025 and 36% by 2030. Therefore, renewable electricity would account for 10% of Nigerian total energy consumption by 2025.
How many MWs does Nigeria need?
The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors said last year the country needs to generate about 33,000MW to have a stable and consistent electricity supply.
How many Nigerians live without electricity?
More than 85 million Nigerians do not have access to electricity, says the World Resource Institute.
