FG Inaugurates Nigeria Power for Health Initiative To Address Blackouts In Hospitals Nationwide

Minister for Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu with the Minister of State Health, Dr. Iziaq Salaudeen Salako during the inauguration of the Nigeria Power-for-Health Initiative Committee in Abuja on Monday.

“For decades, power in Nigeria was centrally controlled by agencies such as ECN, NEPA and PHCN. With over 200 million people and a vast landmass, that model could not deliver. The new law has empowered other tiers of government and the private sector to step in." Adelabu.

"The Nigeria Power for Health Initiative is expected to cover primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities, including private clinics, with strong involvement of development partners and private investors to ensure its long-term sustainability."

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has reiterated the position of government that no critical sector, including health, can function effectively without reliable and sustainable electricity.

“After prioritising food security, the next priority is our health. A robust health sector cannot exist without power,” he said.

Adelabu stated this on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee (IMSC) of the Nigeria Power-for-Health Initiative (NPHI) in a landmark move that aims to guarantee uninterrupted and sustainable electricity supply to health facilities nationwide.

At the event which took place at the Conference Room of Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Chief Adebayo Adelabu highlighted the Electricity Act of 2023 as a turning point that decentralised and liberalised the power sector, allowing states, local governments and MDAs to participate actively and attract private investment.

“For decades, power in Nigeria was centrally controlled by agencies such as ECN, NEPA and PHCN. With over 200 million people and a vast landmass, that model could not deliver. The new law has empowered other tiers of government and the private sector to step in,” he explained.

Dr. Iziaq Salaudeen Salako, Minister of State Health, flanked by Adebayo Adelabu Minister of Power and, Daju Kachollom Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare 

He also referred to the National Integrated Policy on Electricity, approved in March 2025, which now serves as a guiding framework for stakeholders and investors. According to him, Nigeria’s generation capacity has increased from 13 gigawatts to 14 gigawatts in the last two years, while transmission upgrades under the Presidential Power Initiative (Siemens Project) have helped reduce grid disturbances in 2025.

Speaking further, the Minister of Power noted that Nigeria’s energy transition plan and shift towards renewable energy will be key to powering rural and hard-to-reach communities. 

"The country is abundantly endowed with solar, wind, hydro and gas resources, in addition to the critical minerals needed for local manufacturing of energy equipment," he stated.

Responding to Journalists shortly after the inauguration, Minister Adelabu and Iziaq Salaudeen Salako, the Minister of State Health affirmed that  the collaboration signed through the NPHI reflects President Tinubu’s determination to transform key sectors through partnerships and synergy.

A two-year target has been set for the first phase of the initiative, with the goal of achieving sustainable and reliable power supply in at least 50 per cent of Nigerian health facilities within that period.

“This is about more than lighting up buildings; it is about empowering our health system to save lives,” Adelabu said. “With adequate power, equipment will function, professionals can work effectively, and citizens will receive quality care.”

In an earlier address, Daju Kachollom mni, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,  described the NPHI as a bold and innovative step towards strengthening Nigeria’s health system.

"The committee’s inauguration was evidence that the National Stakeholders’ Dialogue was not a mere “talk show” but a platform for concrete action", she had stated.

“As members of this committee, you were carefully selected with the approval of Mr President to provide strategic direction, foster inter-sectoral collaboration and mobilise resources for successful implementation. Your role is pivotal in ensuring that health facilities are powered to save lives, support medical innovation and strengthen resilience to public health emergencies,” she said.

Kachollom, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare called on members to be guided by the vision of a Nigeria where no patient suffers due to lack of electricity and where modern healthcare is supported by sustainable infrastructure.

The Nigeria Power for Health Initiative is expected to cover primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities, including private clinics, with strong involvement of development partners and private investors to ensure its long-term sustainability.