In a bold move to overhaul the energy infrastructure of Nigeria’s federal medical institutions, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, has approved the transition of all federal teaching hospitals across Nigeria's 36 states to solar power grids.
This transformative initiative aims to deliver 3 Megawatts of clean, reliable solar energy to each of the federal teaching hospitals. The goal: ensure 24/7 power supply, reduce operational costs, lower patient bills, and enhance the efficiency and lifespan of modern medical equipment.
Speaking on the development, Hon. Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, emphasized that this move is part of the Energy Transition Initiative under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“ _Nigerians deserve and desire quality healthcare to improve life expectancy. World-class health delivery can only be achieved with consistent and efficient power supply, which enables the use of Smart Technology in our hospitals,” said the Minister._
He highlighted the contradiction between the global recognition of Nigerian doctors and the poor infrastructure they contend with at home:
_“Our doctors are among the best in the world, admired for their skills and resilience. Yet, patients are forced to seek expensive care abroad because power outages in our hospitals cripple the performance of critical medical equipment such as imaging and diagnostic machines.”_
The Minister noted that with solar-powered hospitals, Nigeria can expect a turnaround in its healthcare reputation and possibly witness medical tourism flowing into the country, as Nigerian hospitals become equipped to deliver world-class services.
A Clean Tech Future
As part of the global shift from fossil fuels to sustainable energy, the Ministry is aligning Nigeria’s infrastructure with the global CleanTech revolution.
_“Climate change is real. The future of the world is in CleanTech. Nigeria must not be left behind. This initiative marks a giant leap forward,” Chief Nnaji affirmed._
The project reflects Nigeria’s commitment to both sustainable energy and universal healthcare access, cementing the Ministry’s role in driving innovation that benefits all Nigerians.
— Bishop Chinedu Nwoye
Innovation Science News Correspondent
