Gombe State Government on Monday, 1st December 2025, officially launched the European Union–funded Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP), a major intervention aimed at improving electricity supply in healthcare facilities across the state.
The ceremony, held at the Government House Banquet Hall, Gombe, drew top government officials, EU representatives, development partners and traditional rulers.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Jatau, welcomed dignitaries and expressed gratitude to God for the successful launch of a project he described as “apt, germane, necessary and inevitable” for improving healthcare delivery, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Jatau highlighted the alignment of Gombe State’s health policies with national priorities, noting that the Federal Government places health immediately after security as a top developmental goal.
He stated that Governor Yahaya’s administration has demonstrated unwavering commitment to healthcare reform since he assumed office in 2019.
He outlined key achievements of the administration, including:
Increasing healthcare funding from 3.5% in 2019 to 15% today, in line with the Abuja Declaration.
Establishing the Gombe State Contributory Health Agency, now serving over 300,000 residents.
Strengthening the Drug Management Agency to ensure availability of essential medical supplies.
Revitalising 103 primary health and 66 clinics with support from the World Bank’s IMPACT project, all equipped with solar power, water, equipment and staff accommodation.
Providing 228 Primary Health Care Centres, two in each of the state’s 114 political wards.
He added that Gombe State’s success in healthcare delivery has earned both national and international recognition, citing the recent presentation by the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency in Colombia on the state’s achievements in family planning.
Describing the EU-funded Solar for Health Project as timely, the Deputy Governor emphasised that reliable solar power would significantly reduce cost barriers, eliminate power outages, and enhance the functionality of health facilities.
“As a government, we realise that we cannot succeed alone,” he said, announcing that the state had paid its 30% counterpart funding amounting to ₦1 billion. He also praised the European Union and other donor partners for their continued support.
In his goodwill message, Ms. Inga Stefanowicz, Head of Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria, applauded Gombe State’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems. She said that reliable electricity remains a major constraint in Nigeria’s health sector, with many PHCs lacking adequate power supply.
She noted that under the NISHP, the EU would install solar microgrids totaling over 0.3MW to power at least 10 primary health centres in Gombe State while also supporting over 20 small and medium enterprises around these facilities. She added that the project aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative, which is also funding a 320KWp Small Hydro Power Project in Balanga in partnership with UNIDO.
She emphasised that these initiatives would support Nigeria’s effort toward decarbonisation, climate resilience and improved healthcare delivery.
Representatives of the implementing partners—including Mr. Godfrey Ogbemudia, Mr. Tinyan Ogiehor, and the Team Lead of NTU International—explained that the project will provide high-quality solar equipment, long-term sustainability mechanisms, and capacity building for state engineers. They noted that while the EU is responsible for the power-generation components, the state government will provide warehousing and staffing.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, said the solar project will improve lighting in wards and theatres and ensure reliable power for cold-chain systems used in preserving drugs and vaccines. He spoke alongside the Commissioner for Energy and Solid Minerals, Alhaji Sanusi Ahmed Pindiga, who both emphasised the cost-saving benefits of renewable energy.
State Project Manager, Dr. Umar Istifanus Wanda, in his vote of thanks, expressed appreciation to the EU for the intervention and to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his confidence in the project team. He expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly strengthen the state’s health sector.
Dignitaries present included the Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi, the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Jibrin Idris and several traditional rulers. The event also featured the inauguration of the State Steering Committee for the project.
The launch marks a major step in Gombe State’s journey toward sustainable, affordable and reliable healthcare powered by clean energy.
Jack A.Tasha,
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s Office)
