The Gombe State Government, in partnership with the European Union, has launched the Nigeria Solar for Health Project to expand renewable energy access for healthcare delivery.
Officials said the initiative would provide reliable solar power to selected health facilities and extend clean energy to nearby productive users.
Speaking at the launch on Monday in Gombe, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, represented by Deputy Governor Manassah Jatau, said the project would strengthen healthcare services across the state.
Yahaya said his administration remained committed to improving people’s welfare, noting: “We increased funding for healthcare in our state budget from 3.5 per cent in 2019 to 15 per cent today.”
He said recent reforms had boosted the health sector and supported the revitalization of facilities statewide.
“The arrival of the European Union-funded project is timely and necessary if we must improve healthcare for rural and underserved communities,” he added.
The governor said available data showed that many residents could hardly afford essential health services due to financial barriers.
He confirmed that the state had paid its 30 per cent counterpart funding, amounting to N1 billion, for the project.
Yahaya commended the European Union and pledged continued partnership to enhance citizens’ living standards.
Ms Inga Stephanowicz, Head of Section, Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation, said the project was part of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative.
She said the intervention would support quality healthcare delivery across Gombe State, save lives, reduce operational costs, and stimulate local economic activity.
According to her, more than 20 small and medium enterprises would benefit from the 300 kilowatts of electricity to be installed.
The state’s Commissioner for Energy, Sanusi Pindiga, and Commissioner for Health, Habu Dahiru, pledged commitment to the project’s successful implementation while commending the EU and NTU International.
They emphasized the need for round-the-clock clean and reliable energy for essential medical operations, including surgery, vaccine storage and childbirth.
NTU International’s Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Tinyan Ogiehor, stressed the need for a sustainability-focused approach to operating and maintaining the systems, noting that long-term success depended on ensuring the solutions remained durable and effective.
It was reported that the project would install solar microgrids in at least 10 rural secondary health centres across the state.
It will also support surrounding small enterprises with sustainable energy, boosting healthcare services and local economic growth.
