Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has praised the achievements of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in delivering solar-powered electricity to critical sectors such as healthcare and education.
Speaking in Abuja during a meeting with state commissioners for energy on the development of electricity at the sub-national level, Adelabu noted that the REA made notable progress, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The REA deployed 50kW solar mini-grid solutions to about 100 healthcare facilities across the country during the COVID-19 crisis,” Adelabu stated.
He explained that this initiative ensured uninterrupted power supply to critical health centres, supporting medical staff and preserving lives during a time of national emergency.
Beyond healthcare, the Minister also highlighted the success of the Energising Education Programme, which is bringing reliable and clean power to teaching hospitals across Nigeria.
“We have commissioned a 12MW system at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and a 7MW system at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital,” he said.
Adelabu added that these projects help segregate power supply between clinical activities and other non-medical uses, improving the efficiency and reliability of hospital operations.
The Minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to expanding access to clean, off-grid power, especially for health and education infrastructure.
