The European Union (EU) and the Enugu State Government have inaugurated a N3.33 billion Solar for Health Project to provide electricity to 25 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the state.
The project, launched under the EU’s Nigeria Solar for Health Programme (NISHP), aims to provide 24-hour solar-powered electricity to healthcare facilities in Enugu and four other states—Ogun, Plateau, Abia, and Akwa Ibom—between 2024 and 2027.
Speaking at the launch held at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu, on Tuesday, the Head of Green and Digital Economy for EU Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stephanowicz, said the initiative addresses the lack of basic amenities in primary health centres.
“Enugu is the first state to volunteer and commit the necessary counterpart fund of N1 billion, securing N3.33 billion from the EU for this project. This intervention aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in providing basic health services and electrification,” she said.
Stephanowicz added that the project would also power small businesses and telecom infrastructure around the health centres to enhance their functionality.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, described the project as a significant step toward achieving the SDGs and improving healthcare delivery.
“Our commitment to improving healthcare and addressing energy access challenges is evident in this partnership. This initiative ensures uninterrupted energy supply to our primary healthcare facilities, directly impacting the lives of our citizens,” Mbah stated.
The EU’s Programme Manager for Energy Access, Godfrey Ogbemudia, noted that the initiative aligns with the EU’s commitment to expanding renewable energy access in Nigeria.
He revealed that the EU had invested €20 million in Nigeria’s power sector between 2008 and 2020 and committed an additional €37 million to new energy access programmes from 2021 to 2027.
Senior Stakeholder Engagement Manager for NISHP, Tinyan Ogiehor, emphasized the project’s long-term sustainability, which includes integrating productive load users and collaboration with local businesses.
He disclosed that the EU would provide solar PV systems, batteries, and inverters for at least 25 health facilities spread across Enugu’s 17 local government areas.
The Enugu State Solar for Health Project Steering Committee, led by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Emmanuel Obi, will oversee the project’s management and ensure its sustainability.
NAN reports that the EU’s NISHP seeks to electrify over 100 healthcare facilities across the five participating states to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
NAN
 and the Enugu State Government have inaugurated a N3.33 billion Solar for){kind=link}