Tinubu: No Nigerian should die from power outages in hospitals

President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s commitment to reforming Nigeria’s health sector, pledging urgent action to tackle power supply challenges in hospitals.

Tinubu made the pledge at the National Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector in Abuja on Tuesday. He was represented by George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation.

The president said it was unacceptable for any Nigerian to lose their life because of electricity interruptions in medical facilities.

“Today, we face a pressing issue that affects every Nigerian: the persistent power supply crisis in our tertiary hospitals and public health institutions. In surgical theatres, maternity wards, intensive care units, laboratories, and emergency rooms across the country, power outages too often compromise safety, interrupt care, and cost lives.

“This crisis demands our immediate attention and concerted action,” he said in a statement issued by Yomi Odunuga, Akume’s media aide.

Tinubu added that improving energy supply in healthcare is a core part of his Renewed Hope Agenda, with plans to decentralise energy systems and attract private sector participation.

“These outages cannot continue, and under our administration, they should not. Lives are at stake. We must act now,” he said.

He also assured investors of a business-friendly environment in the health, energy, and infrastructure sectors, stressing that renewable and hybrid systems would be prioritised to deliver sustainable solutions.

Tinubu cited the Energy Transition Plan and ongoing power sector reforms as part of the framework for building resilient and decentralised systems, with off-grid solar and hybrid models targeted at public health institutions.