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Federal Government rolls out 1,653 solar-powered refrigerators worth $11m for vaccine storage.
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Northwest receives 448 units, Northcentral 308; every state and the FCT to benefit.
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UNICEF, WHO and Gavi back initiative as core of Nigeria’s immunisation supply chain.
The Federal Government has commenced the nationwide distribution of 1,653 solar-powered cold chain units valued at about $11 million to strengthen vaccine storage and delivery systems, with the Northwest and Northcentral zones receiving the highest allocations.
Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), announced the development in Abuja on Wednesday, stating that the initiative was part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reinforce immunisation as a pillar of primary healthcare.
The Northwest will take delivery of 448 units, Northcentral 308, Southwest 343, South-South 221, Southeast 205, and the Northeast 128, ensuring that every state and the Federal Capital Territory benefits.
According to the NPHCDA, the first batch of 525 units has already been warehoused in Abuja, while the rest have landed in the country and are being dispatched.
Each refrigerator comes with spare parts, a decade-long maintenance agreement, and temperature monitoring devices to guarantee reliability and sustainability.
Aina noted that 53 per cent of the equipment would be deployed to northern Nigeria, while 47 per cent would go to states in the south.
Dr Maharajan Muthu, UNICEF Chief of Health, described the solar-powered cold chain equipment as the backbone of effective immunisation, saying it would ensure safe storage of vaccines and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies from warehouse to administration point.
He emphasised that the handover reflected strong collaboration among the Federal Government, Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, and other global health partners.
He explained that the supplies included 1,653 refrigerators, 165 spare part kits, and temperature recorders valued at approximately $11 million, noting that the investment would extend immunisation access to underserved and remote communities.
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Muthu stressed the need to tackle additional challenges such as asset tracking, routine maintenance, vaccine stock monitoring, and sustainable financing solutions, while reaffirming UNICEF’s support for Nigeria’s immunisation supply chain.
Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, said the initiative aligned with the global Immunization Agenda 2030, which prioritises equitable vaccine access, resilient cold chain systems, and integration into primary healthcare delivery.
He added that leveraging solar energy would ensure vaccine potency, reduce wastage, and support environmental sustainability.
