The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has commissioned a 57.6kw solar power infrastructure to address the energy supply challenges.

Mohammed Sambo, director-general of NHIA, said this in a statement signed by Emmanuel Ononokpono, the authority’s spokesperson, in Abuja on Saturday.

Mr Sambo highlighted the significance of an uninterrupted electricity supply in the rapidly expanding health insurance ecosystem, noting that meeting the needs of insured Nigerians could not be achieved without a reliable power supply.

According to him, the cost of providing electricity through diesel-powered plants was becoming intolerably high, adding that renewable and clean energy had become a globally embraced standard.

”We are determined to harness the potential of renewable energy,” he stated. “The project will  be expanded beyond the present scope, and  provision has been made for similar installations in the ongoing various office accommodation infrastructures embarked upon by the Authority.”

Also, Joseph Amakurugbonwo, acting general manager, Information Communication and Technology (ICT) of the authority, listed the project’s peculiarities as renewable power generation and uninterrupted electricity supply.

Mr Amakurugbonwo said other peculiarities are green energy with zero noise and air pollution, zero power surges or fluctuations that could damage sensitive office equipment and control over electricity with a significant reduction in overhead costs.

He said excess power could be supplied to neighbouring communities and the national Grid as might be allowed by relevant legislation.

According to him, the authority has developed high-technology digital infrastructure nationwide as part of efforts to automate its services.

(NAN)