FG launches NPHI to attract private investment for reliable hospital power nationwide
FG launched the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative (NPHI) on June 10 at Lagos' Healthcare Electrification Investors Forum to attract private-sector investment for reliable electricity in hospitals nationwide. Health Minister Iziaq Salako unveiled the framework addressing critical power shortages affecting surgeries, vaccine storage, and emergency care.
Under NPHI's Energy-as-a-Service model, private energy firms will finance, install, operate and maintain power systems while guaranteeing supply to healthcare facilities. The program starts with federal tertiary hospitals, with plans to expand to primary and secondary facilities across Nigeria. Financing blends government support, development finance, climate funds and private investment.
To coordinate, government established an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee, 24-member Inter-Agency Technical Committee, Facility Energy Management Teams and a Project Secretariat. Salako noted hospitals are being investment-readied through finance director training on energy economics and investor engagement, citing UK PACT and Landell Mills' framework support.
This tackles persistent issues like UCH Ibadan's months-long blackout from unpaid billion-naira bills and hospitals spending 40% of revenue on electricity. Will this private-sector approach finally end power disruptions in Nigerian hospitals, or will implementation face the funding and maintenance challenges that plagued past efforts?