The Abia State Government has unveiled plans to launch the Solar for Health project, a renewable energy initiative supported by the European Union (EU), designed to enhance electricity access in healthcare centres across the state.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr Ikechukwu Monday, during a press conference following the State Executive Council meeting in Umuahia. Mr Monday disclosed that Abia is among six Nigerian states chosen to participate in the programme, having successfully fulfilled all necessary criteria.
“Solar for Health is an EU initiative that deploys renewable energy systems to power health facilities, as well as nearby productive users,” the commissioner said.
The project will be financed with over €2 million from the EU, alongside a counterpart contribution of €624,000 from the Abia State Government, bringing the total investment to roughly €2.6 million. The scheme will deliver an estimated 500 kilowatts of solar power, which will be distributed across at least nine health facilities throughout the state.
Beyond providing reliable electricity to health centres, the installations will also extend to support local businesses such as nearby shops, promoting a more resilient and economically viable energy network.
“It’s not just about health facilities. By supporting productive users, we create a more sustainable energy ecosystem,” Monday explained.
To ensure consistent performance, each solar system will include metering infrastructure and be subject to a modest service fee to fund ongoing maintenance. The systems will also be equipped with battery storage, providing continuous power supply during periods of low solar output, particularly in the rainy season.
“We are incorporating multiple energy sources to increase system reliability,” the commissioner added.
Mr Monday revealed that over 50 staff members from the Ministries of Power and Health have undergone training in the operation and maintenance of the systems. Additionally, energy audits are currently underway in the selected health centres to guide the most effective installation strategies.
Describing the project as both “timely and crucial,” he emphasised that dependable electricity is fundamental to improving healthcare delivery and fostering broader socio-economic growth.
In a related development, the commissioner also shared updates on efforts to address the state’s wider electricity challenges, especially in regions outside the Aba Ring-Fenced Zone.
“While there has been some progress in the Aba area, power supply in Umuahia and Abia North remains inadequate,” he noted.
He confirmed that the government is in advanced talks with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to acquire a controlling interest in its infrastructure within Abia State.
“We’ve concluded our due diligence and submitted an initial offer. Negotiations are ongoing, and full details will be made public once finalised,” he said.
Echoing this update, Commissioner for Information Mr Okey Kanu confirmed that the state had formally bid to acquire a 60 percent stake in EEDC’s interstate electricity assets within Abia.
“Talks are well advanced, and the acquisition, once completed, will enable us to exercise greater control over electricity distribution in the state,” Kanu added.