Nigeria reports widespread power outages in health facilities

The Nigerian Federal Government has reported significant energy challenges within the nation's healthcare sector. According to Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, between 60% and 70% of Nigeria’s primary and tertiary health facilities face frequent electricity outages or lack power supply entirely.

Specifically, approximately 40% of functional Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) have no access to electricity, while many others receive only six to ten hours of power daily. Furthermore, over 30% of solar systems installed in PHCs become non-functional within three years of commissioning. The Minister attributed these failures to inadequate maintenance, lack of spare parts, insufficient budgetary provisions, and unclear asset responsibility.

Dr Salako emphasized that electricity is a critical clinical input rather than a mere amenity, noting its necessity for vaccine cold chains, oxygen concentrators, operating theatres, and neonatal incubators. He warned that power failures directly impact the quality of care and can lead to loss of life. To address these issues, the government has implemented initiatives such as the Energising Education Programme and the Nigeria Electrification Project, the latter of which has targeted hundreds of health facilities with solar hybrid systems.