The Federal Government has approved a financing framework to fast-track the electrification of at least 30 per cent of health facilities across the country by the end of 2027, with the provision of reliable 24-hour electricity, The Guardian reports.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Adekunle Salako made the disclosure at the third meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee (IMSC) of the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative (NPHI in Abuja.

Salako explained that these institutional reforms and governance framework include the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee jointly chaired by the Minister of State for Health and the Minister of Power, an Interagency Technical Committee, Facility Energy Management Teams in health institutions and a Project Coordination Unit.

He said, “Our goal, as approved by Mr. President, is to ensure that we deliver reliable energy access to at least 30 per cent of Nigeria’s health facilities by the end of 2027 using public-private partnerships that prioritise energy-as-a-service delivery models.”

The minister noted that most federal tertiary hospitals have already established Facility Energy Management Teams, while a national guideline has been developed to support energy management in healthcare facilities.

He added that the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has already provided containerised solar power systems to about 100 hospitals nationwide, while several development partners are supporting similar projects at the primary healthcare level.

Salako further explained that the committee approved a financing framework, endorsed institutional reforms and cleared eight private sector proposals for further engagement to accelerate implementation of the initiative.

He said, “This is progress with respect to the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative that was established by Mr. President after the National Dialogue in December 2025. Today, the National Steering Committee is meeting for the third time. The Steering Committee has considered the report of the Technical Committee, and members were particularly happy with the progress made so far. The membership reflects a broad partnership involving the Federal Government, state governments, the private sector and development partners.”

The minister noted that the committee approved a framework for for facility energy management to ensure every participating health institution has a structured system for managing its energy assets.

He pointed out that Energy Management Teams have already been constituted in federal tertiary hospitals, while state governments have been encouraged to establish similar structures in their health facilities.

Salako said work is being done to eradicate blackouts within the hospitals.

“What we should be asking is the timeline for eradicating blackouts from our country. That is a work in progress. But what Mr. President has done by democratising the energy provision space has created opportunities like this. We are confident that Nigeria will gradually eliminate blackouts.”

Speaking on the progress made within the first eight months of the initiative, Salako said significant attention had been devoted to establishing governance structures while implementation projects continued simultaneously across all levels of healthcare.

“We have used the eight months to build the governance structure. At the same time, electrification projects are ongoing at primary healthcare centres, secondary facilities through state governments and tertiary hospitals. The REA alone has energised about 100 hospitals nationwide.

“This platform will also create a central database that makes every healthcare electrification project in the country visible,” he added.

The minister, who clarified the 30 per cent target, said different energy technologies would be deployed depending on the needs of each facility.

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some facilities will use mini-grids, others may adopt gas-powered systems or other solutions. We will deploy whatever technology best suits each location.”