The Federal Government of Nigeria on Monday, April 14, 2025, inaugurated the first phase of the 400kW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Plant at the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital in Damaturu, the state capital.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said the project was aimed at boosting healthcare delivery and promoting renewable energy in the country.
Adelabu, represented by Alhaji Mamuda Mamman, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, described the project as a milestone in the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for energy reform.
According to him, the initiative reflects the administration’s determination to ensure energy access becomes a right rather than a privilege, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
“This solar power plant reaffirms our commitment to delivering sustainable and inclusive energy solutions for socioeconomic growth.
“It will ensure that the Hospital functions with reliable and clean energy for critical operations like surgeries, equipment usage, and vaccine refrigeration,” Adelabu said.
The minister noted that the project was aligned with the Electricity Act 2023, which prioritises renewable energy adoption through decentralised systems, solar alternatives for healthcare centres, and private sector incentives such as Feed-in Tariffs.
Adelabu emphasised the importance of energy security to national development, adding that stable electricity in health institutions was non-negotiable.
He stated that the Damaturu installation was part of a broader federal strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, address climate change, and create jobs through green technology.
“Today we commission the 400kW Phase I of this project.
“We remain committed to scaling this to 1MW and replicating similar interventions across the country.
“Our goal is to power hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure with clean, reliable energy,” Adelabu added.
In his remarks, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, commended the federal government for the intervention.
Buni, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idi Gubana, said the project would significantly enhance service delivery and reduce operational costs at the hospital.
“The Yobe State University Teaching Hospital has expanded from a 250-bed to a 750-bed facility, and this solar power plant supports our efforts to provide uninterrupted energy for modern equipment and services,” he said.
Buni also highlighted other state government’s initiatives to improve healthcare, including the establishment of the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YOCHMA) and the upgrading of nine health centres to general hospitals.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Muhammad Lawan Gana, said the solar plant would support the Senator Mamman Ali Maternal and Child Health Complex, which houses advanced facilities like MRI and 3D Ultrasound machines.
“This project reflects the synergy between the state and federal governments in transforming public health infrastructure,” he said.
By Ahmed Abba