The Federal Government of Nigeria has greenlit a ₦10 billion solar power project for the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, driven by the need to address the unsustainable ₦47 billion yearly electricity bill.
Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, unveiled the initiative, underscoring its alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to reduce governance costs and promote sustainable energy solutions. The solar mini-grid system is designed to deliver reliable, clean, and uninterrupted power to the Villa, significantly reducing dependence on the national grid, which has been plagued by inefficiencies.
The decision comes in the wake of a 2024 public dispute with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), which alleged that the Presidential Villa owed ₦923.87 million in unpaid electricity bills. Following reconciliation, Abdullahi clarified that the actual debt stood at ₦342.35 million, with Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila assuring prompt settlement.
The solar project is expected to serve as a flagship model for other government institutions grappling with high energy costs. Beyond cost savings, the initiative is poised to create job opportunities, particularly for young Nigerian engineers, and stimulate innovation in the renewable energy sector. Abdullahi also highlighted that development partners have committed $5.3 billion to bolster Nigeria’s power sector, with a focus on expanding grid infrastructure and supporting renewable energy projects.