The European Union, through its Head of Cooperation, Massimo De Luca, has announced its readiness to commence equipment procurement for five selected states as part of the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP). The beneficiary states include Abia, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Ogun, and Plateau. De Luca made this statement during the second steering committee meeting of the EU-funded program in Abuja.

De Luca reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to advancing the project, which aims to provide clean, efficient, and reliable energy to healthcare facilities. Stakeholders from NTU International highlighted discussions on sustainability, operational strategies, and state ownership. They emphasized the importance of maintenance, stakeholder responsibilities, and distribution to ensure the project’s success. A telecom provider, American Towers, also contributed insights on integrating power from mini-grids into the initiative.

Representing the Ministry of Power, Ibrahim Shehu commended the project, emphasizing the potential to empower primary healthcare centers. He noted that sustainable energy supply could generate revenue from business activities around health facilities, strengthening the healthcare value chain. Shehu also stressed the importance of selecting viable sites with high activity levels to maximize the project’s impact.

Damilola Otubanjo, Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Special Duties and SDGs, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to address critical power needs in smaller primary healthcare facilities. She emphasized the importance of scaling up the initiative and ensuring its sustainability, as Ogun State is among the first beneficiaries.

The Nigeria Solar for Health Project, scheduled to run from 2024 to 2027, aims to strengthen the country’s healthcare system by providing solar energy to public health facilities in the participating states. The project is implemented in partnership with GIZ, NTU, and American Towers.

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has issued a stern warning against violating the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, pledging to take decisive action against offending council officials. Fagbemi made this declaration during a conference for judiciary correspondents held on Thursday in Abuja.

According to the AGF, grassroots governance has endured significant setbacks over the years. However, he expressed optimism that the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s verdict on local government autonomy would rejuvenate the sector. He emphasized the need to restore vitality to local governments, enabling them to serve their intended purpose effectively.

Highlighting the negligence faced by people at the grassroots level, Fagbemi stressed that the administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is determined to rectify past injustices and elevate the country’s standing globally. He cautioned local government officials against mismanaging funds, reminding them that they do not enjoy the immunity granted to governors.

Fagbemi stated that local government officials have a clear choice: misuse public funds and face imprisonment, or contribute meaningfully to grassroots development by investing in essential projects like roads, schools, and hospitals. He underscored the necessity of revitalizing local governments to ensure improved living conditions for citizens.

In a landmark judgment delivered in July, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the financial autonomy of local governments, putting an end to the practice of governors controlling local government funds. The ruling also directed the AGF to ensure that local government allocations are paid directly into their accounts, a move designed to strengthen autonomy and promote accountability across the country.