On Thursday, January 18, 2025, the Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme (MODHIP) led a high-level delegation on a courtesy visit to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) Headquarters. The visit aimed to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and explore sustainable solutions to the power challenges affecting MODHIP-supported medical and research facilities in Abuja and its surrounding locations.

The DG and his team were warmly received by senior management of AEDC, including the Chief Technical Officer, representatives from the commercial and operations divisions, and corporate communications officers. In his opening remarks, the DG expressed appreciation for the services AEDC has provided over the years but also drew attention to the critical nature of reliable electricity supply in the context of military health operations.

“Our laboratories and treatment facilities operate on the frontlines of disease control. We cannot afford to let the lights go out — not even for a moment,” the DG stated emphatically.

He highlighted that MODHIP supports over 40 military health facilities nationwide, several of which house high-capacity laboratories and vaccine storage systems that rely heavily on uninterrupted power. Of particular concern was the Defence Reference Laboratory (DRL) in Asokoro, Abuja — a regional hub for infectious disease diagnostics, biosurveillance, and clinical research — which had recently experienced power fluctuations that threatened the integrity of temperature-sensitive samples and research activities.

The AEDC leadership acknowledged the strategic importance of MODHIP’s work and assured the DG of their commitment to resolving outstanding issues. In response, they proposed the designation of MODHIP priority sites as critical infrastructure clients under AEDC’s service policy, qualifying them for improved response times and grid stability solutions.

Further discussions centered on the feasibility of dedicated lines, smart metering systems, and the integration of renewable energy sources to enhance energy resilience at key MODHIP locations. AEDC also expressed readiness to collaborate on future initiatives involving public awareness, especially in rural military health posts.

In closing, the DG emphasized that the meeting was not merely ceremonial but a call to action for both parties. He thanked AEDC for their warm reception and openness to dialogue, stressing that dependable electricity is not a luxury but a necessity for modern healthcare delivery and national preparedness.

The visit reaffirmed MODHIP’s commitment to forging purposeful partnerships across sectors to strengthen Nigeria’s military and public health ecosystem. As the country navigates complex healthcare and energy challenges, such proactive engagements represent a beacon of hope for sustainable solutions.