The European Union and the Gombe State Government have unveiled a major solar-powered healthcare initiative aimed at improving electricity supply and service delivery in health facilities across the state.
The initiative, known as the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP), was formally launched in Gombe alongside the inauguration of a Project Implementation Steering Committee that will oversee the deployment of solar energy solutions to healthcare centres.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Section, Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz, underscored the critical role of reliable electricity in healthcare delivery. She noted that the lack of stable power supply continues to undermine effective healthcare services across Nigeria.
“Electricity is vital for accessing healthcare services, yet many facilities operate without reliable power,” she said, adding that medical equipment, diagnostics, lighting and water supply all depend on stable electricity.
Stefanowicz revealed that under NISHP, solar microgrids with a cumulative capacity of over 300 kilowatts will be installed in Gombe to power at least 10 primary healthcare centres while also supporting nearby small and medium enterprises.
She described the project as part of the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, which focuses on developing sustainable and inclusive infrastructure in key sectors such as energy, health, education and the digital economy.
Representing Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Manassah Daniel Jatau, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to improving healthcare access, noting that the project would strengthen service delivery across communities.
“With strong collaboration between the state government and our international partners, we are confident this project will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our people,” Jatau said.
The Project Implementation Steering Committee comprises officials from the state ministries of health and energy, implementing partners including NTU International and UNIDO, and the State Project Coordinator, Dr Umar Wanda, who serves as secretary. The committee will supervise site selection, installation and maintenance of the solar systems.
The Gombe State Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, described reliable electricity as transformative for healthcare delivery, stressing that it would improve patient care, ensure safe deliveries and enhance the use of medical equipment.
The Gombe launch follows similar rollouts of the Nigeria Solar for Health Project in Plateau, Enugu, Abia, Akwa Ibom and Ekiti states. Nationally, the programme is expected to deploy more than 2.5 megawatts of solar power and battery storage to electrify health facilities and support surrounding communities.
Both the EU and the Gombe State Government reiterated their commitment to sustainability and transparency, expressing confidence that the initiative would improve healthcare delivery, boost economic activity and strengthen climate resilience in the state.
