FG okays framework to provide 24-hour electricity to health facilities

The Federal Government in Nigeria has approved a framework to provide around-the-clock electricity to healthcare facilities, aiming to energize at least 30% of the country's hospitals by the end of 2027. This decision was made at the third meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee overseeing the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative, a presidential program coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Power.

Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, revealed that the committee also endorsed new governance structures, a facility energy management framework, and approved eight private sector proposals following a recent investor matchmaking event in Lagos. The initiative, launched after the National Dialogue in December 2025, seeks to improve healthcare access to electricity through public-private partnerships.

The committee approved financing frameworks to mobilize investments for healthcare electrification and a facility energy management framework, ensuring hospitals develop sustainable energy infrastructure management systems. Energy Management Teams have been established in federal tertiary hospitals, with state governments encouraged to create similar structures.

The initiative will utilize various energy technologies, such as mini-grids, gas-powered systems, or other solutions, tailored to each facility's needs. Since the initiative's inception eight months ago, over 100 hospitals have received containerized solar power systems from the Rural Electrification Agency. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, emphasized that the focus would shift from announcements to project delivery, with the goal of commissioning fully energized healthcare facilities.