By David Akinmola
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a new set of energy sector reforms aimed at tackling Nigeria’s chronic power supply challenges, with an immediate focus on ending electricity shortages in hospitals across the country.
The President, who unveiled the plan in Abuja on Thursday, said reliable energy is critical to saving lives and improving healthcare delivery, noting that no hospital should be forced to suspend operations or risk patient safety due to lack of power.
“Our hospitals must never go dark again,” Tinubu declared. “We are putting in place measures that will guarantee uninterrupted power supply to all federal medical facilities as a matter of urgency, while also extending support to state-owned and private hospitals.”
The reforms, according to the Presidency, will prioritize investment in decentralized energy solutions such as solar and gas-powered mini-grids for health institutions, alongside broader national initiatives to expand generation and stabilize distribution. The government is also working with private sector partners to accelerate renewable energy adoption within the health sector.
Energy experts say the policy could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s fragile health system, where erratic electricity supply has long undermined patient care, from operating theatres and intensive care units to vaccine storage.
The President stressed that the reforms form part of his broader agenda to deliver sustainable energy access nationwide, adding that hospitals are being treated as a critical first step because of their role in protecting lives.
Stakeholders in the health and energy sectors have welcomed the initiative but urged the government to ensure transparency, effective monitoring, and sustained funding to avoid past pitfalls.
If fully implemented, the reforms could reduce hospitals’ dependence on costly diesel generators and improve healthcare outcomes for millions of Nigerians.
