Writing By Aminu Dalhatu ; Editing By Godwin Duru
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has successfully installed a comprehensive solar power system at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Gusau in Zamfara State, marking a significant step toward ensuring reliable electricity supply in Nigeria’s health sector
The project executed under the Ministry’s 2024 capital budget, includes 144 solar panels of 585 watts each, 24 solar batteries, and a hybrid solar AIO system with a rated output of 2×30 kW PV.
In a statement, the Information and Public Relations Officer of the FMC Gusau, Dr. Nasiru A. Tukur, said the project has already transformed power availability at the Centre, especially within the Radiology Department, which has been the primary beneficiary.
Head of the Radiology Department, Dr. Abubakar Musa, described the intervention as highly impactful, because it now guarantees 24-hour electricity supply to their offices and enables optimal performance of critical equipment such as ultrasound machines.
Despite the improvement, Dr. Musa appealed to the hospital management and the Federal Ministry to consider further solar investments to power high-energy-demanding machines like X-ray and CT scanners.
Also speaking, Consultant Radiologist Dr. Aminu Abdullahi expressed appreciation for the project, saying that it has significantly improved the department’s working environment and enhanced both clinical and academic activities.
He echoed the call for additional solar installations to support other essential diagnostic machines.
The Medical Director of the Federal Medical Center FMC Gusau, Dr. Bello A. Mohammed, commended the Ministry for prioritising the facility and reassured staff of his commitment to pursuing more solar-powered interventions to strengthen service delivery at the Centre.
The solar installation forms part of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s broader initiative to address electricity challenges in health institutions through multi-agency collaborations.
Under the Renewed Hope Solarisation Programme of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, a 7MW solar power plant was commissioned at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) in September 2025.
The Ministry is also working with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to deploy hybrid solar grids to teaching hospitals under the Energising Education Programme (EEP-3), funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank through the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).
REL/AMINU DALHATU
