The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Rep. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, says the Federal Government has committed over N12 billion to a solar power project at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH).

Speaking at the flag-off of the project in Kano, Bichi, who represents Bichi Federal Constituency, said the initiative would make the hospital independent of the national grid.

He explained that the project is part of the government’s plan to solarise all tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals across the country, beginning with AKTH.

According to him, the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen healthcare infrastructure.

“The Federal Government set aside N300 billion in the 2025 appropriation act, and very soon all our tertiary institutions and teaching hospitals, including those owned by states, will enjoy 24-hour solar power.

“This year alone, I have attracted projects worth over N26 billion to AKTH, which has never happened in its history,” he said.

Bichi added that similar projects were underway at Bayero University Kano, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil, and Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital.

He also commended Tinubu for supporting the project, describing it as a milestone in healthcare service delivery.

In his remarks, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Uche Nnaji, said the initiative marked the translation of the Renewed Hope Agenda from vision to tangible action.

On his part, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, assured that the project would be delivered before December.

“This is the first of its kind in Nigeria. We are targeting about 10,000 projects across the 36 states and the FCT to ensure 100 per cent solarisation of facilities,” Abdullahi said.

The Chief Medical Director of AKTH, Prof. Abdulrahman Sheshe, said the hospital spends about N150 million monthly on electricity bills and an additional N30 million on diesel.

“With this intervention, the hospital will save more than 30 per cent of its expenses. This project could not have come at a better time, especially after the recent power dispute we had,” he said.

Before the flag-off, Bichi inspected the ongoing construction of a five-storey Accident, Emergency and Trauma Centre at the hospital, another project facilitated by the Federal Government.