The Federal Government has approved a new financing framework aimed at accelerating the electrification of health facilities nationwide, with a target of providing reliable 24-hour electricity to at least 30 percent of Nigerian hospitals by the end of 2027.
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The approval was announced at the third meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee of the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative, a presidential programme run jointly by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Power.
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Poor electricity supply remains one of the biggest obstacles to healthcare delivery in the country, with many public hospitals relying heavily on expensive diesel generators to power critical units such as operating theatres, intensive care units and blood banks.
Government Vows to Shift From Announcements to Delivery
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the administration was committed to changing this narrative, stressing that dependable electricity would significantly improve patient care and eliminate the dangerous reliance on alternative power sources during medical emergencies.
Tegbe said the era of rushing generators to hospitals during critical moments must end, adding that government focus was now shifting from media announcements and groundbreaking ceremonies to actual project delivery.
Eight Proposals Cleared From 70 Submissions
Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed the immediate outcomes of the steering committee meeting, noting that eight private sector proposals had been cleared for further engagement. The proposals were selected from about 70 submissions received during a recent investor matchmaking event in Lagos.
Salako explained that the initiative would run on a public-private partnership model, noting that there was no universal approach for every medical facility. Depending on specific location needs, hospitals would receive customised energy solutions, including solar mini-grids or gas-powered systems.
Progress Since December 2025
Significant progress has already been recorded since President Bola Tinubu approved the initiative in December 2025. According to Salako, the Rural Electrification Agency has successfully installed containerized solar power systems in about 100 hospitals nationwide.
To ensure long-term sustainability, Energy Management Teams have already been established in federal tertiary hospitals, while state governments are being encouraged to set up similar management structures in their local health facilities.
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