The Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee (IMSC) for the newly created Nigeria Power for Health Initiative (NPHI) to boost electricity supply to health facilities in the country.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, during his speech at the inauguration of the IMSC on Monday in Abuja, described the initiative as a major push to end decades of unpredictable power supply in hospitals.
Salako, who described power insufficiency in health facilities as an emergency and a major disruptor of health services, said the initiative represents President Bola Tinubu’s directive to unify national efforts and supply round-the-clock and sustainable power to hospitals.
Jointly led by the ministries of health and energy, the minister said the INSP will manage all health sector electrification projects to be carried out under a unified framework that leverages resources from the government, private sector and development partners.
“The task before us is enormous, but this initiative is a critical step in ensuring that no Nigerian is left in the dark while seeking medical care. Tinubu subsequently approved the establishment of the INSP and directed ministries and agencies to align their efforts,” he said.
Salako added that the committee would be chaired by the Minister of State for Health and co-chaired by the Minister of Energy.
“The Inter-Agency Technical Committee (IATC) will drive technical planning, while the Project Execution Unit (PDU) will coordinate day-to-day implementation. At the facility level, the Facility Energy Management Committees will ensure sustainability in hospitals,” he said.
He added that INSP’s goals include standardizing clean energy solutions for hospitals, strengthening public-private partnerships, training technical staff for energy and health systems, as well as promoting transparent reporting.