Reporting by Premium Times indicates that the Federal Government, in partnership with Gavi and UNICEF, has officially solarized 371 Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) across 16 states and the FCT. This initiative is designed to solve the perennial problem of vaccine spoilage due to erratic power supply in rural and underserved communities.
The project, which was handed over in a ceremony on Thursday, ensures that cold-chain management for life-saving immunizations remains intact regardless of the national grid’s performance. By providing 24/7 renewable energy, these health centers can now offer extended services, including night-time deliveries and emergency care, which were previously impossible.
Health officials believe this marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s primary healthcare strategy, moving away from total dependence on fossil fuels. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) is expected to oversee the maintenance of these facilities to ensure the longevity of the solar infrastructure.
The Punch and Leadership have validated this story. The Punch reports that “the project handover marks a milestone in Nigeria’s quest for universal health coverage,” while Leadership quoted a UNICEF representative stating, “reliable energy is the backbone of a resilient healthcare system.”
Echotitbits take: This is a rare “win-win” for both the health and energy sectors. The real challenge will be the maintenance of these solar panels in remote areas where security and technical expertise are often lacking.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/gavi-unicef-hand-over-371-solar-powered-phcs-to-fg/, March 13, 2026
Photo credit: The Punch
