The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting health institutions and other establishments across the country to enhance public service delivery.
Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Hon. Uche Nnaji, stated this on Wednesday during the foundation-laying and handing over ceremony of a 7-megawatt solar energy project at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH).
Nnaji explained that the initiative, spearheaded by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), was part of efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to provide sustainable power solutions for tertiary health facilities.
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Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, disclosed that the project followed consultations with the hospital’s management over its rising energy costs, which he said exceeded N200 million monthly.
He noted that after deliberations with his colleagues in the Senate, they presented the proposal to President Tinubu, who approved the inclusion of the project in the 2025 budget.
“The solarization project in AKTH will provide up to 7 megawatts. In addition, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital will get 2 megawatts, while Kano State Nasarawa Teaching Hospital will benefit from 1 megawatt. This is in recognition of Kano’s large population,” Bichi said.
He further revealed that the Federal Government had also earmarked N26 billion for the hospital to procure modern medical equipment, including facilities for accident and emergency care, heart surgery, stroke management, radiology, transplants, and family medicine.
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“This is the first of its kind in the history of the hospital. It is not about politics; it is about national development. President Tinubu’s love for all regions of Nigeria is reflected in these interventions,” he added.
Chairman of the AKTH Board, Chief Augustine Chukwu Umahi, described the project as historic, stressing that energy and healthcare are inseparable.
On his part, the Chief Medical Director of AKTH, Professor Abdurrahman Abba Sheshe, expressed gratitude to Hon. Bichi and other stakeholders for their support, pledging to continue transforming the hospital into one of the best in the country.
The N12 billion solar project is expected to be completed within its designated timeframe.
