By Omoyeni Ojeifo
In a bid to address persistent electricity shortages crippling healthcare services, the Federal Government has launched a private sector-driven initiative aimed at delivering sustainable power solutions to hospitals and other health facilities across the country.
The initiative, known as the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative (NPHI), was launched at the National Healthcare Electrification Investors Matchmaking Forum in Lagos on Monday, as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery through reliable energy access.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, said dependable electricity remains indispensable to modern healthcare, noting that operating theatres, vaccine storage systems, medical laboratories, oxygen facilities and digital technologies depend on stable power supply.
“Electricity is not merely a utility in a healthcare facility. It powers life-saving services and technologies that healthcare delivery depends upon,” the minister said.
He noted that the government was moving away from the old model where healthcare energy projects relied largely on public funding and donor support, adding that private energy firms would now finance, install and manage power solutions under the Energy as a Service model.
According to Salako, the initiative is structured around a blend of government backing, development support, climate financing and private capital to ensure long-term expansion of clean energy solutions across the health sector.
He warned that poor electricity supply has direct consequences on medical care, stressing that When electricity fails, healthcare delivery stagnates.
The minister said the programme would initially cover federal tertiary health institutions before expanding to primary, secondary and private healthcare facilities across the country.
“To ensure smooth implementation, the Federal Government has created an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee, a 24-member Inter-Agency Technical Committee, Facility Energy Management Teams and a Project Secretariat within the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.” he said.
We are Calling on investors and energy developers to seize the opportunities in the sector, Salako added.“
The minister further noted that the initiative signifies the beginning of a marketplace where ideas become projects, projects become investments and investments become reliable electricity for healthcare facilities across Nigeria.
Salako also acknowledged the support of UK PACT and Landell Mills International in developing the framework and advancing sustainable healthcare electrification.
The ministry said it would continue to work with public and private stakeholders to ensure reliable electricity supply that strengthens healthcare outcomes for Nigerians.