FG targets steady power for 30% of health facilities by 2027 amid PHC electricity gap

The Federal Government of Nigeria aims to provide steady power to at least 30 percent of its health facilities by 2027, addressing the significant electricity deficit currently affecting healthcare delivery. According to Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, between 60 and 70 percent of primary and tertiary healthcare centers experience frequent power outages or lack electricity altogether.

Only about 40 percent of functional Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) have access to electricity, with most of the remaining 60 percent receiving only six to ten hours of power each day. The unreliable power supply places a substantial financial burden on hospitals, with teaching hospitals spending up to 50 percent of their operating costs on energy, often drawing from diesel-powered generators.

Despite ongoing efforts by the Federal Ministry of Power and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), challenges remain in sustaining renewable energy systems for health facilities. Salako highlighted the Nigeria Power-for-Health Initiative, approved by President Bola Tinubu following a national stakeholders' dialogue, which seeks to achieve the 30 percent target.

This initiative involves private capital and partnerships, recognizing health facilities as a distinct asset class within the Rural Electrification Agency's portfolio and integrating RAMCO's asset management with hospital energy audits.