The European Union (EU) has announced plans to spend €10.4 million on the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP), aimed at providing primary healthcare centers with reliable and sustainable solar energy solutions.
The Head of Section, Green & Digital Economy, EU, Inga Stephanowicz, disclosed this at the Project Developers Roundtable Workshop for NISHP in Abuja.
She said the project aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare sector by providing reliable energy to boost healthcare services and outcomes in Nigeria.
“This €10.4 million initiative, funded by the European Union, marks a milestone in the project’s implementation in Nigeria.
She noted that the NISHP aimed to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system by providing solar power to public health facilities in participating states.
”The project will provide 24-hour access to clean, efficient, and reliable energy to participating public healthcare facilities across the country,” she added.
The NISHP aims to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system by providing solar power to public health facilities in participating states.
According to her, by working together with the Nigerian government, private sector entities, and local communities, the EU is supporting Nigeria’s development goals and promoting a brighter future for its citizens.
She said the beauty of the project was on its focus on sustainability, adding that it would provide adequate solar power supply to 45 healthcare facilities in selected states.
“By collaborating with state government actors in a targeted electricity market and leveraging available counterpart funds, the project aims to electrify not only health centers but also SMEs, telecom towers, among others,’’ she said.
Nasiru Bello, Team Lead, NISHP, said by leveraging solar power, Nigeria could improve healthcare outcomes, increase access to electricity, and promote economic growth.
He said as the project progressed, it was crucial to monitor its impact and make adjustments as needed.
“By leveraging solar power, Nigeria can improve healthcare outcomes, increase access to electricity, and promote economic growth.
“The NISHP is a step in the right direction towards a brighter, more sustainable future for Nigeria’s healthcare sector, ” he said.
The project is expected to have a significant impact on healthcare outcomes, economic growth, and community development.
It will also promote sustainable energy solutions, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigate climate change.
The project has been inaugurated in Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Ogun, Plateau, and Enugu, with other states set to participate.
It will run from 2024 to 2027 and has brought together key stakeholders, including state government officials, private sector entities, and technology service providers.
