Nigeria Govt. Inaugurates Inter-Ministerial Committee to Tackle Hospitals Power Crisis
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Federal Government has inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee (IMSC) of the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative (NPHI), a landmark move aimed at guaranteeing uninterrupted and sustainable electricity supply to health facilities nationwide.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Monday at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Headquarters in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the initiative as a critical intervention to tackle the long-standing problem of energy insufficiency in hospitals.
He stressed that electricity is not merely an infrastructure requirement but a fundamental determinant of health outcomes and a key enabler of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“Energy insufficiency in hospitals has become an emergency and a major disrupter of health services in our country. No Nigerian should be left in the dark while seeking healthcare,” Dr. Salako said, adding that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the Minister, the steering committee is a direct outcome of the first National Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector held in September 2025. The communiqué from that meeting was submitted to President Tinubu, who subsequently approved the establishment of a dedicated coordination framework to address power challenges in the health sector.
“As a signal of commitment at the highest level, Mr President declared the National Dialogue open and approved the establishment of the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative. Today’s inauguration marks the beginning of its full implementation,” he said.
Dr Salako explained that the NPHI will operate through four strategic structures:
An Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee (IMSC), chaired by the Honourable Minister of State for Health, with the Honourable Minister of Power as Co-Chair;
An Inter-Agency Technical Committee (IATC), to be led by a nominated subject-matter expert;
A Project Delivery Unit (PDU) to coordinate execution; and
Facility Energy Management Committees (FEMC) at health-facility level to ensure effective implementation.
The initiative, he further noted; is designed as a coordinated, inter-ministerial and public-private partnership between the Federal Ministries of Health and Power to harmonise all electrification efforts in the health sector. Its objectives include strengthening policies and governance, deploying standardised and sustainable energy solutions, building capacity, mobilising financing and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), ensuring accountability, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
Describing the task as a life-saving mission, Dr. Salako said the committee’s work would prevent avoidable deaths caused by power failure during critical medical procedures, especially labour and emergency interventions.
“This is a call to duty to save women and children from dying due to power cuts in the midst of life-saving procedures. It is also a response to the hopes of every health worker who deserves a conducive environment with functional, powered equipment,” he emphasised.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritising the health sector and acknowledged the support of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack. He also commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate CON, and the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, for their collaborative roles to implement Presidential priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, in line with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative NHSRII.
Dr. Salako further appreciated development partners, particularly the World Bank, and private sector players for their continued support of Nigeria’s health and energy sectors.
Formally inaugurating the committee on behalf of the President, he declared:
“On behalf of Mr President and Commander-in-Chief, I hereby inaugurate the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee of the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative.”
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, stressed 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 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.
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.
Adelabu noted that Nigeria’s energy transition plan and shift towards renewable energy will be key to powering rural and hard-to-reach communities. He said 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.
Responding to Journalists, both Ministers 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.”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom mni, described the NPHI as a bold and innovative step towards strengthening Nigeria’s health system.
She said the committee’s inauguration was evidence that the National Stakeholders’ Dialogue was not a mere “talk show” but a platform for concrete action.
“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.
The Permanent Secretary 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.
