The Presidency has come under fire following the recent approval of a ₦10 billion solar power project for the Presidential Villa, but officials have moved to justify the initiative by pointing to international standards, including the use of solar energy at the White House in the United States.
In response to rising public criticism over the timing and cost of the project, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, defended the Federal Executive Council’s decision, describing it as a forward-thinking move toward renewable energy and energy independence for Nigeria’s seat of power.
Mr. Onanuga made his comments on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, where he emphasized that adopting solar energy for the State House in Abuja is consistent with global practices. He referenced the White House’s own solar installation in Washington, D.C., as an example of how developed nations are embracing clean energy for government buildings.
“The White House in Washington D.C. uses solar power,” Onanuga wrote, sharing a video of the U.S. Presidential residence’s solar energy infrastructure.
He added that the move is part of a broader effort by the Tinubu administration to improve energy sustainability, reduce reliance on the national grid, and cut down long-term electricity costs.
According to sources close to the State House, the solar project will include the installation of solar panels and backup systems across key buildings in the Aso Rock Villa complex. These include the President’s residence, the Vice President’s quarters, administrative offices, and other essential government facilities.
The system is expected to provide stable and cleaner electricity, reducing dependence on diesel generators and erratic grid power, which currently costs the government hundreds of millions in annual fuel and maintenance expenses.
Officials argue that while the initial cost is high, the project will result in long-term savings and lower environmental impact. It will also serve as a model for other public institutions across Nigeria, promoting the use of renewable energy.
Despite the Presidency’s explanation, many Nigerians have questioned the necessity of such a large-scale project at a time when the country is dealing with high inflation, widespread poverty, and ongoing fuel and electricity challenges.
Some critics see the ₦10 billion price tag as tone-deaf, especially as many citizens struggle with high costs of living and unreliable power supply in their homes and businesses.
“This government is asking citizens to tighten their belts, but they are spending billions to power Aso Rock. It doesn’t make sense,” said Ibrahim Musa, a small business owner in Abuja.
Others, however, have acknowledged the environmental benefits of the project and its potential to reduce long-term costs if properly executed.
“It’s a good step towards cleaner energy, but the timing is what people are worried about. There are so many urgent needs in this country,” said Ifeoma Odu, an energy analyst based in Lagos.
Nigeria has long struggled with energy generation and distribution. Despite being one of Africa’s top oil producers, the country faces chronic electricity shortages. The national grid has repeatedly collapsed in recent years, forcing both households and government offices to rely heavily on diesel generators.
The move to solar energy, especially in government buildings, has been proposed by several experts as a way to reduce the burden on the grid and promote alternative energy sources.
President Tinubu’s administration has promised to improve Nigeria’s energy infrastructure, but progress has been slow, and citizens remain frustrated by persistent outages, high tariffs, and fuel price hikes that followed the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023.
The solar power project at Aso Villa, officials say, is a step toward energy security and sustainability, but critics argue it sends the wrong message to the public at a time of widespread economic pain.
Transparency advocates have called on the government to provide full details of the solar contract, including the names of contractors, project timelines, and expected outcomes. They argue that in a country where corruption and inflated contracts have historically plagued public projects, accountability is essential.
“We are not saying solar energy is a bad idea,” said Ayo Olanrewaju, a spokesperson for the Centre for Energy Transparency. “We are saying N10 billion is a lot of money. Nigerians deserve to know who is doing the job and what exactly the money is being spent on.”
The Presidency’s plan to power Aso Rock with solar energy aligns with international trends and could signal a genuine move toward renewable energy adoption in Nigeria. However, the timing of the project and its high cost are raising questions about the government’s priorities amid economic hardship.
As Nigeria continues to battle inflation, unemployment, and infrastructure decay, many are watching closely to see whether the solar project will deliver value for money—or become another controversial government expenditure.
