Executive Summary
Nigeria’s primary healthcare system faces persistent challenges related to unreliable electricity, limited infrastructure, and unequal access to essential health services—particularly in rural, remote, and conflict-affected areas. Frequent power outages disrupt critical services such as vaccine storage, maternal care, diagnostics, and emergency response, contributing to preventable illness and mortality among women, children, and vulnerable populations. Climate change and rising fuel costs further strain diesel-dependent health facilities, increasing operational expenses and greenhouse gas emissions.
This project proposes the deployment of solar-powered primary healthcare services to strengthen health system resilience and improve access to quality care in underserved communities across Nigeria. By installing reliable solar energy systems in selected primary healthcare centers (PHCs), the project will ensure uninterrupted power for essential medical equipment, lighting, water supply, and digital health tools. The initiative will be complemented by health worker training, basic service upgrades, and community engagement to maximize impact. The project aligns with Nigeria’s health sector priorities, renewable energy goals, and global commitments to universal health coverage and climate action.
Background
Nigeria accounts for a significant share of global maternal and child mortality, with rural populations disproportionately affected by weak health infrastructure and limited service availability. Primary healthcare centers serve as the first point of contact for most Nigerians, yet many PHCs operate without reliable electricity. According to national assessments, a large proportion of PHCs depend on diesel generators or lack any power source at all, severely limiting their functionality.
Power shortages compromise vaccine cold chains, nighttime deliveries, infection control, and the use of basic diagnostic equipment. Health workers often operate in unsafe conditions, while patients are forced to travel long distances to access functional facilities. At the same time, Nigeria has abundant solar energy potential, making renewable power a practical and cost-effective solution for strengthening healthcare delivery.
The Nigerian government has emphasized renewable energy and primary healthcare revitalization through policies such as the National Health Act, the Primary Health Care Under One Roof initiative, and national renewable energy strategies. However, implementation gaps persist due to financing constraints and technical capacity limitations. This project addresses these gaps by integrating clean energy solutions directly into frontline healthcare delivery.
Problem Statement
Unreliable and inadequate electricity supply is a critical barrier to effective primary healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Rural and peri-urban PHCs frequently experience power outages or lack electricity entirely, undermining service quality and health outcomes.
Key challenges include:
- Disruption of maternal, newborn, and child health services due to lack of power
- Inability to safely store vaccines and essential medicines
- Dependence on expensive and polluting diesel generators
- Poor working conditions for healthcare workers
- Limited capacity to introduce digital health and diagnostic technologies
Without sustainable energy solutions, efforts to strengthen primary healthcare and achieve universal health coverage will remain constrained.
Project Goal and Objectives
Overall Goal
To improve access to reliable, quality primary healthcare services in underserved Nigerian communities through the deployment of solar-powered energy systems.
Specific Objectives
- Provide uninterrupted, clean electricity to selected primary healthcare centers using solar power.
- Strengthen delivery of essential health services, particularly maternal, newborn, and child health.
- Reduce operational costs and carbon emissions associated with diesel-based energy use.
- Build local capacity for operation, maintenance, and sustainability of solar-powered health facilities.
Project Methodology
The project will adopt a health systems strengthening and clean energy integration approach. Interventions will be implemented in close collaboration with local health authorities, energy providers, and community stakeholders. Facility-level assessments will guide system design to ensure suitability and scalability.
Key methodological principles include:
- Demand-driven selection of health facilities
- Use of proven, climate-resilient solar technologies
- Capacity building for health workers and technicians
- Community ownership and accountability
- Alignment with national health and energy standards
Implementation Plan
- Component 1: Facility Assessment and Selection
- Identification of target PHCs in rural and underserved areas
- Energy audits and health service needs assessments
- Prioritization of facilities providing maternal and child health services
- Component 2: Solar Power System Installation
- Component 3: Health Service Strengthening
- Support for expanded service hours, including nighttime care
- Improved cold chain management for immunization programs
- Enhanced infection prevention and control through reliable power and water access
- Component 4: Capacity Building and Maintenance
- Training of health workers on energy-efficient use of equipment
- Training of local technicians on system operation and maintenance
- Development of maintenance plans and linkages with service providers
- Component 5: Community Engagement and Sustainability
- Community sensitization on the benefits of solar-powered healthcare
- Establishment of community health committees to support oversight
- Exploration of public–private partnerships for long-term sustainability
Monitoring
A results-based monitoring framework will track progress against defined indicators, including facility functionality, service utilization, maternal and child health outcomes, and energy system performance. Routine health data, energy production records, and facility assessments will be used to monitor implementation. Community feedback mechanisms will ensure transparency and responsiveness.
Evaluation
Independent mid-term and final evaluations will assess project effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact. Evaluation criteria will include improvements in service availability, reductions in power outages, cost savings, environmental benefits, and user satisfaction. Lessons learned will inform scale-up and replication.
Conclusion
Reliable electricity is fundamental to delivering quality primary healthcare. Solar-powered energy solutions offer a sustainable, cost-effective, and climate-friendly approach to strengthening Nigeria’s frontline health facilities.
By ensuring uninterrupted power, improving service quality, and building local capacity, this project will contribute to better health outcomes, reduced maternal and child mortality, and stronger health system resilience. The initiative aligns with national priorities and global development goals, making it a strong candidate for donor and partner support.
