A’Ibom inaugurates Nigeria solar for health project

The Akwa Ibom State government has inaugurated the Nigeria Solar for Health Project to arrest epileptic power supply to the health sector.

Governor Umo Eno, represented by his deputy, Senator Akon Enyaenyi, at the occasion, said that collaboration with the EU strengthens the state’s vision of universal, reliable, and sustainable energy access for all communities, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.

The governor stated that Akwa Ibom State has taken bold steps to domesticate the Electricity Act 2023 through its own Electricity Policy (2024) and Electricity Law (2024).

He added that those two instruments mark a turning point in its journey toward a fully-fledged Akwa Ibom State Electricity Market (AKSEM) — one that is state-led, private-sector-driven, inclusive in all its ramifications and acutely focused on developing and sustaining the all-important off-grid sub-sector of the State Electricity Market.

Eno noted that their reforms are guided by a simple principle: “Electricity is not just a commodity; it is the foundation of healthcare, education, security, and prosperity.

“By establishing a credible electricity market and regulatory framework, we are creating a platform where on-grid and off-grid solutions can coexist, complementing each other to deliver reliable power to all sectors — including our hospitals and health centres,” he said.

Eno said that the Nigeria Solar for Health Project aligns with this vision. It represents a quality-of-life-enhancing activity in the off-grid and distributed energy arm of our electricity market development strategy — an area where the State Government is collaborating closely with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to promote sustainable, locally managed, and economically viable solutions.

He said that the project would provide clean, reliable solar energy to healthcare facilities across the state; enhance healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved communities; reduce dependency on diesel and improve environmental sustainability; create local jobs and build technical capacity in solar maintenance and energy services.

Speaking on partnership and governance, Eno commended the state steering committee for taking up the important responsibility.

He said, “The committee, drawing from both the Ministries of Power and Health, will serve as the vital bridge between policy, implementation and progressive community outcomes.

“Let me assure our development partners — the EU, NTU International, and the REA — that the Akwa Ibom State Government will provide all necessary support to ensure that this project becomes a model for sustainable energy access in healthcare, not just in our State but across Nigeria.

“This launch is more than a ceremony — it is a statement of intent. It demonstrates that Akwa Ibom is ready to lead in developing a modern, inclusive, and resilient electricity system that serves every citizen of our state.”

The governor said that in the coming months, through its ongoing Early-Stage Action Programme for the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Market, the state would build institutional capacity for electricity market governance; support private and community-based energy service providers; expand access through renewable mini-grids and embedded generation; and attract local and international investment into the State’s energy value chain.

Commissioner for Power, Mr Robson Iniobong, said electricity is the very thing that guarantees and announces the functionality of every other sector, adding, of course, that someone needs to be in good health to be able to engage their mind and brain.

He said, “Quite unfortunately, we come from a part of the world where energy poverty is in the superlative and healthcare services are almost inaccessible to the people owing to the unavailability of electricity. One good thing is that we have a governor who is very sensitive and highly responsible in this direction of getting power for its citizens.”

Iniobong noted that Eno can prioritise his interest in these two sectors. He added, “As you are all aware, Pastor Bassey Umo Eno had declared a state of emergency in these two critical sectors.”

Mr Tinyan Ogiehor, Senior Stakeholders Engagement Manager of NISHP, said the project would establish solar mini-grids at approximately 19 PHCs in the state, as well as the state central cold store, with a view to positively impacting healthcare delivery and boosting economic activities.

“Beyond powering the PHCs, this project will enhance the operations of about 75 small businesses located within these facilities,” he said.