By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
The Plateau State Government has launched the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP) to equip 25 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across its 17 Local Government Areas with solar energy.
This collaboration with the European Union (EU) marks a significant step in Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s commitment to revitalizing the state’s healthcare system.
Speaking during the inauguration of the project’s Steering Committee in Jos, Governor Mutfwang highlighted the critical role of energy in delivering quality healthcare.
He lamented the state of the healthcare sector his administration inherited, revealing that less than 5% of the state’s over 1,000 PHCs were functional.
“We are determined to improve healthcare service delivery across Plateau State. Just last week, we awarded contracts for the renovation of 82 PHCs.
“This Solar for Health project will address one critical component of healthcare—energy. Without reliable electricity, we cannot install diagnostic machines, store vaccines, or preserve medicines effectively,” he stated.
The governor thanked the EU for selecting Plateau as a beneficiary, emphasizing that the project transcends politics.
“This initiative ensures that people in rural areas can access quality healthcare services. It also supports women and youth empowerment, helping to lift our people out of poverty, increase life expectancy, and improve quality of life in the state,” he added.
Earlier, Mrs. Inga Stephanowicz, Head of Section for Green and Digital Economy at EU-Nigeria, commended the Plateau State Government for providing 30% counterpart funding, describing it as a strong commitment to sustainable healthcare development.
“Access to steady electricity is indispensable for effective healthcare delivery. Research shows that only 40% of functional PHCs in Nigeria have reliable power supply. This project will reverse this trend by equipping healthcare centers with renewable energy solutions to enhance service delivery,” she stated.
She also announced plans to construct a hydro-solar power plant at Assop Falls in Riyom Local Government Area, complementing the solar installations and expanding the project’s impact on healthcare and economic activities.
Mr. Tinyan Ogiehor, Senior Stakeholders Engagement Manager of NISHP, shared insights into the power challenges faced by many healthcare centers. “We conducted a preliminary study of PHCs not far from the metropolis, and the conditions reflect the same challenges present across the country. Vaccine storage, electricity for night-time services, and basic healthcare operations are often compromised,” he explained.
He emphasized that the project aims to build solar microgrids in selected facilities, benefitting not just healthcare but also local businesses. “This initiative will electrify 25 PHCs and up to 75 businesses per center, creating a sustainable model that combines health and economic growth,” Ogiehor noted.
The nine-member Steering Committee overseeing the project is chaired by Mr. Ponzing Gamde, Executive Director of the Plateau Energy Corporation, with Dr. Clestus Shurkuk, the Commissioner for Health, as co-chair. Members include the Secretary to the State Government, Arc. Samuel N. Jatau, among others.
