The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has successfully completed the solarization of all nine UN humanitarian hubs in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria, marking a major milestone in the transition to sustainable and efficient energy solutions in humanitarian operations.
This achievement underscores IOM’s commitment to promoting environmentally responsible practices and reducing the carbon footprint of humanitarian activities in conflict-affected regions, in line with both global and national ambitions.
The solarization project, IOM’s largest evert globally, began in 2024 and involved the installation of hybrid Solar Power Supply Systems (SPS) including 2,000 solar panels with an overall capacity of capacity of 1,250 kWp at hubs located in Maiduguri, Bama, Banki, Damasak, Dikwa, Gwoza, Monguno, and Ngala. To date, this initiative is the most expansive solar effort within Nigeria’s humanitarian sector to date.
“By harnessing renewable energy, we are not only ensuring a more stable power supply for humanitarian operations but also aligning with global commitments to climate action and sustainability,” said Sharon Dimanche, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Nigeria. “This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and innovation.”
The Humanitarian Hubs currently enable direct access to over 1,3 million individuals across Borno State, enhancing both the speed and quality of life-saving service delivery in hard-to-reach areas.
Prior to the transition, the hubs relied entirely on diesel generators, which accounted for nearly 40% of operational costs and required complex logistics to maintain fuel supply.
Each hub is now equipped with a hybrid Solar Power System that significantly reduce dependency on diesel generators, contributing to improved energy efficiency, a reduction of CO₂ emissions, and overall energy security, enabling humanitarian workers to directly reach those in need of assistance.
In 2023, the nine operational hubs located in Borno State provided accommodation services, ETS internet access, office space, and meeting and training facilities to 4,580 aid workers.
The solarization initiative was made possible with the generous funding of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
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