President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration's resolve to transform Nigeria's healthcare system, with a particular focus on addressing the ongoing power outage that is seriously impairing the country's hospitals. At the National Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector in Abuja on Tuesday, the President, accompanied by Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that no Nigerian should die as a result of power outages in hospitals.
"The ongoing power outage in our public health facilities and tertiary hospitals is a serious problem that impacts all Nigerians today.
Power outages all too frequently jeopardize safety, disrupt care, and result in fatalities in emergency rooms, maternity wards, critical care units, labs, and surgery theaters across the nation. In a statement released by the SGF's media assistant Yomi Odunuga, he stated, "This crisis demands our immediate attention and concerted action."
Tinubu called the state of affairs intolerable and promised that his administration will give sustainable energy solutions for medical facilities across the country top priority.
"These outages cannot and should not continue under our leadership. There are lives on the line. "Now is the time to act," he said.
The President clarified that enhancing hospital energy supply is a crucial component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to decentralize energy systems and promote involvement from the private sector.
"My administration is totally dedicated to revolutionizing the health sector by focusing on creative solutions to its multifaceted problems, such as the inadequate, ineffective, and unfeasible electricity supply that raises costs, interferes with care, degrades quality, and raises patient discontent.
"By implementing customized solutions and encouraging private sector involvement, this initiative to advance energy solutions in our hospitals is not isolated; it is essential to addressing energy poverty in Nigeria," Tinubu continued.
He promised cooperation with reliable partners, especially in renewable and hybrid energy systems, and reassured investors of a business-friendly climate in the infrastructure, energy, and health sectors.
Tinubu cited national initiatives, such as the Energy Transition Plan and continuing changes in the power sector, as the foundation for more robust, decentralized, and sustainable energy systems.
Off-grid solar and hybrid systems for public institutions are given priority in the strategy, he said, and incentives, regulatory assistance, and creative financing are used to draw in investments.
The health industry in Nigeria has long struggled with structural inefficiencies, inadequate facilities, and underfunding. Unreliable electricity is one of the most serious issues, as it has frequently put patients in danger and put medical personnel under stress.
To combat growing energy prices, the federal government announced in August 2024 that hospitals and schools would get a 50% electricity subsidy. The Medical and Dental Consultants' Association of Nigeria, however, revealed months later that some institutions were still paying full prices, casting doubt on the policy's execution.
The national budget included funding for solar projects in hospitals, including the University College Hospital in Ibadan, which experienced a notorious 100-day blackout that disrupted training, diagnostics, and surgeries, according to Coordinating Minister of Health Muhammad Pate's announcement in February 2025.
To develop a comprehensive health-sector energy strategy, the government organized a national conversation and established a multi-agency committee in March 2025.
Targeting hospitals and other public institutions, Tinubu also authorized ₦100 billion for the National Public Sector Solarization Initiative in August 2025.
However, many hospitals still lack consistent electricity, particularly those located outside of large cities, and personnel frequently use diesel generators and flashlights during crucial procedures.