By Hassan Zaggi
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has commissioned a 57.6kw solar power infrastructure at its Corporate Headquarters, Abuja.
This is in an effort to overcome challenges of energy supply.
At a brief ceremony in Abuja, yesterday, the Director General of NHIA, Prof Mohammed Sambo, noted that reliable and steady power supply is key to achieving smooth and uninterrupted operations of the rapidly expanding health insurance ecosystem.
According to him, as the NHIA keeps expanding, there was the need for innovative and creative source of uninterrupted electricity supply to enable it meet the needs of millions of insured Nigerians.
Sambo regretted that the cost of providing electricity through diesel-powered plants was becoming intolerably high, adding that renewal and clean energy has become globally embraced standard.
Determined to harness the potentials of renewal energy, Sambo said that the project would be expanded beyond the present scope, explaining that provision has been made for similar installations in the ongoing various office accommodation infrastructural embarked upon by the Authority.
Earlier, the Acting General Manager, Information Communication and Technology (ICT) of the NHIA, Mr Joseph Amakurugbonwo, disclosed that some benefits of the project include renewal power generation, uninterrupted electricity supply, green energy with zero noise and air pollution, zero power surges or fluctuations that could damage sensitive office equipment and control over electricity with resultant significant reduction in overhead costs.
According to Amakurugbonwo, at expansion, excess power could be supplied to neighbouring communities and the National Grid as may be allowed by relevant legislations.
A statement by the Head of Press of the NHIA, Emmanuel Ononokpono, revealed that the Authority has developed high technology digital infrastructure nationwide as part of efforts to automate its services.
