Janet Ogundepo
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research has taken a major step to address its persistent electricity challenges by commissioning a 100 KVA Solar Power System to support critical research and diagnostic facilities at the institute.
The solar power facility, donated by the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme, was commissioned on Friday at the institute’s headquarters in Lagos.
NIMR said the intervention would provide an uninterrupted electricity supply to key laboratories and research facilities, improve operational efficiency, reduce dependence on fossil-fuel-powered electricity, and support environmental sustainability.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Director-General of NIMR, Prof John Obafunwa, represented by the Director of Administration, Mr. Bitrus Nelson, described the intervention as strategic and timely.
He noted that reliable electricity remains essential to the institute’s mandate of generating scientific evidence for national health policies and interventions.
“Today’s event represents much more than the commissioning of a 100 KVA facility. It signifies a shared commitment to sustainable development, resilient research systems, and strengthening global partnerships in advancing public health outcomes,” he said.
Obafunwa explained that the solar power installation currently supports critical operational areas within the institute, including the COBAS laboratory for HIV viral load testing, molecular laboratories for PCR-based analysis, the biobank facility housing ultra-low temperature freezers, seminar facilities and key support units.
He noted that uninterrupted electricity is vital for laboratory-based research, cold chain systems, emergency preparedness, and data management.
The DG added that the installation would help preserve the integrity of valuable research specimens and ensure continuity of essential diagnostic and research services.
The Managing Director of ECEWS, Dr Andy Eyo, described NIMR as a critical institution in Nigeria’s public health and global health security system.
He said that the solar project forms part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across the country.
“Without NIMR, we would be more challenged than we can imagine. NIMR has played a significant role in Nigeria’s public health history and in responding to emerging public health threats,” he said.
Eyo disclosed that the N300m project comprises 312 solar panels of 705 watts each, two 209 KVA lithium battery units and two 50 KVA inverters for AC power conversion.
He described the installation as the most sophisticated solar facility deployed by the organisation within Nigeria’s health sector.
“This is the most sophisticated solar facility we have deployed in the health sector. It is designed not only to provide stable power but also to reduce the institute’s energy costs so that more resources can be redirected into research and quality healthcare,” he added.
Representing the Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, the NIMR DG commended ECEWS for supporting Nigeria’s health and research sector.
He noted that investments in renewable energy within health and research institutions are critical for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and continuity of services.
“The deployment of renewable energy solutions such as this solar system aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening health systems while embracing sustainable development,” he said.
Obafunwa recalled that shortly after assuming office in August 2024, the institute’s monthly electricity bill exceeded N48m and later rose to between N49m and N52m despite modest government subvention.
He explained that NIMR had since introduced measures to reduce electricity consumption, including the installation of prepaid meters and stricter energy management practices.
The NIMR DG expressed appreciation to ECEWS and its partners for the intervention and urged members of staff to continue using electricity prudently.
The institute stated that the solar power system currently supports three critical facilities, including the COBAS building complex for viral testing, HIV and tuberculosis specimen analysis and diagnostic result generation, as well as the Biobank facility where sensitive biological samples are preserved under ultra-low temperature conditions.
NIMR added that the intervention would strengthen its capacity to sustain critical research activities, improve diagnostic services and contribute to Nigeria’s renewable energy and climate goals.
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