The Nigerian government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is facing criticism for approving over ₦10 billion to install a solar mini-grid for Aso Rock, which would take the Presidential Villa off the national electricity grid.
According to a report by Punch, ₦10bn ($6.2M) has been allocated from the ₦57.11 billion 2025 budget for the State House to “solarize” the Presidential Villa, a move aimed at reducing electricity costs and shielding the presidency from erratic power supply and tariff hikes.
Nigerians are questioning the presidency’s decision to opt out of the national grid, as millions of citizens continue to struggle with poor electricity services and inflated bills, sparking widespread dissatisfaction on social media.
The move comes amid growing discontent over recent tariff adjustments, particularly for customers under Band A, and looming increases for Band B users, with Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu hinting that Band B tariffs may soon be aligned with the newly hiked Band A rates.
In February 2024, it was revealed that the Presidential Villa owed Abuja Electricity Distribution Company ₦923.87 million in unpaid electricity bills, contributing to the federal government’s ₦4 trillion electricity debt.
However, following President Tinubu’s order for a review, the amount was reduced to ₦342.35 million, with a directive to settle the debt within 10 days from February 19.
The presidency’s decision is reportedly driven not only by cost savings, but also by the challenges of estimated billing and unreliable electricity supply, which even the highest government officials face.
Nevertheless, the move has sparked widespread public outcry, with many Nigerians questioning the government’s commitment to fixing the national grid, especially given the president’s decision to opt out entirely.
“How can Aso Rock go solar because of bad power supply—what does that mean for the rest of us?” one user queried on X (formerly Twitter).
While there is speculation that other government institutions might also adopt solar power, critics contend that such initiatives should prioritize hospitals, schools, and communities lacking access to electricity.
