In response to the recent power conflict between Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) and Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), the federal government swiftly initiated a seven-megawatt solar energy installation at the hospital within just 48 hours.
At the project’s inauguration in Kano, Abubakar Bichi, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations and representative for Bichi Federal constituency, revealed that the initiative is backed by an investment exceeding N12 billion. This solar power system aims to free the hospital from reliance on the national electricity grid.
As the project coordinator, Bichi emphasized that this effort aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader strategy to implement solar energy solutions across all tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals nationwide, beginning with AKTH.
Expressing gratitude, Hon. Bichi acknowledged President Tinubu’s approval and unwavering support for the project.
He highlighted that this development reflects the administration’s dedication to enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Furthermore, the federal government has earmarked N300 billion in the 2025 budget to ensure that soon, every tertiary institution and teaching hospital-including those managed by state governments-will benefit from uninterrupted solar power supply.
In 2025 alone, the hospital attracted investments exceeding N26 billion, a milestone never previously achieved. Additional solar projects are underway, including a 5-6 megawatt installation at Bayero University Kano (BUK), 4 megawatts at ADUSTECH Wudil, and 3 megawatts each at Murtala and Nasarawa hospitals.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to advancing healthcare infrastructure through the Renewed Hope Agenda deserves commendation,” Bichi reiterated.
Earlier remarks from the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, underscored that this solar project marks the initial phase of turning the Renewed Hope Agenda’s vision into tangible progress.
Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN)-the agency overseeing the project-assured that the installation would be completed before December’s end.
He stressed the commission’s commitment to delivering clean, dependable, and cost-effective energy solutions to all Nigerian tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals, noting that current electricity expenses from distribution companies are unsustainable.
“This initiative is unprecedented nationwide, with plans to extend solar power to approximately 10,000 facilities across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Upon completion, these institutions will be fully solar-powered,” the DG explained.
Professor Abdulrahman Sheshe, Chief Medical Director of AKTH, projected that the hospital would reduce its operational costs by over 30 percent once the solar system is operational.
“Our monthly electricity expenditure is around N150 million, with an additional N30 million spent on diesel for generators. This project arrives at a critical time, especially following our recent power challenges,” he noted.
Prior to the launch event, Hon. Bichi also toured the construction site of the new five-story Accident, Emergency, and Trauma Centre Unit at AKTH, another federal government initiative he helped facilitate.
