By The Nigerian government has initiated the nationwide deployment of 1,653 solar-powered refrigerators, valued at approximately $11 million, aimed at enhancing vaccine storage and delivery across all states, with the Northwest and Northcentral zones receiving the largest shares.
This new program, part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, seeks to improve primary healthcare services by bolstering immunization infrastructure. Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), announced that 448 units will be assigned to the Northwest, while the Northcentral region will get 308 units. The Southwest will receive 343, the South-South 221, the Southeast 205, and the Northeast 128 units.
In total, 53% of the equipment will be deployed to northern Nigeria, with the remaining 47% distributed among southern states, ensuring that every state and the Federal Capital Territory benefit from this enhancement.
The collection of solar direct drive refrigerators comes complete with spare parts, temperature monitoring devices, and a 10-year maintenance contract to guarantee long-term durability. This deployment, which has already seen 525 units warehoused in Abuja with others being dispatched nationwide, is designed to serve underserved and hard-to-reach communities where reliable electricity is scarce.
Dr. Maharajan Muthu, UNICEF’s Chief of Health in Nigeria, stressed the significance of this campaign, describing the cold chain system as the backbone of any effective immunization effort. UNICEF has been instrumental in supporting this project by providing technical expertise in equipment procurement, analytics, and infrastructure strengthening.
Muthu noted the necessity for improved asset tracking, maintenance routines, stock management, and sustainable financing to maximize the impact of this project. UNICEF pledges continued collaboration with the Nigerian government to ensure these goals are met while expanding immunization coverage.
Representing the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Alex Chimbaru praised the move, stating that this endeavor aligns closely with the global Immunization Agenda 2030. He emphasized how solar technology not only preserves vaccine quality but also promotes environmental sustainability and strengthens the resilience of health systems.
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