'Without NIMR, Nigeria Would Be More Challenged'

‘Without NIMR, Nigeria Would Be More Challenged’ – ECEWS Boss
Commissions 100KVA Solar Power Facility at NIMR
The NIMR boss also revealed that the institute has been struggling with rising electricity costs

The Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS) has commissioned a 100KVA solar power facility at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Lagos as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare research infrastructure and improve energy stability within the institute.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that during the commissioning ceremony, the Managing Director of ECEWS, Andy Eyo, described the intervention as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s public health system, stressing that institutions like NIMR remain vital to the country’s healthcare response mechanism.

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“We celebrate the opportunity to bring this level of impact to NIMR, our foremost medical research institution in Nigeria. Without institutions like NIMR, Nigeria’s public health response system would be more challenged than we can imagine,” he said.

Dr. Eyo explained that stable electricity remains critical for healthcare delivery, laboratory operations, scientific research, diagnostics and preservation of sensitive biological materials.

According to him, the solar project is one of over 170 renewable energy interventions supported by ECEWS across health institutions nationwide.

He disclosed that the facility consists of 312 solar panels, two 209KVA lithium battery units and advanced inverter systems designed to power critical sections of the institute.

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“This is the most sophisticated renewable energy facility we have deployed in the public health sector. We took lessons from previous interventions and designed a system that will provide stable electricity and reduce operational costs,” he added.

Representing the Minister of State for Health, the Director-General of NIMR, John Obafunwa, commended ECEWS for what he described as a strategic and timely intervention.

Professor Obafunwa noted that uninterrupted electricity supply remains essential for the institute’s molecular diagnostics, viral testing, laboratory research and biobank preservation systems.

“The deployment of renewable energy solutions such as this solar system aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems while embracing environmentally sustainable practices,” he said.

The NIMR boss also revealed that the institute has been struggling with rising electricity costs, with monthly bills estimated between ₦48 million and ₦52 million despite limited government subvention.

He expressed optimism that the newly commissioned solar facility would ease operational pressure on the institute while ensuring continuity in critical research activities.

The project currently powers major facilities within NIMR, including the COBAS laboratory used for HIV viral load testing, molecular laboratories for PCR analysis and the institute’s biobank facility housing ultra-low temperature freezers.

ECEWS said the intervention would further strengthen Nigeria’s public health research capacity while contributing to the country’s renewable energy and climate sustainability goals.