The Nigerian Presidency has defended its plan to spend N10 billion on the installation of a solar mini grid to power the Presidential Villa, drawing comparisons to the use of solar energy at the White House in Washington, D.C., USA.
This defence follows the recent approval of the 2025 federal budget, which includes a N10 billion allocation for the project, officially titled “Solarization of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid.”
According to the Presidency, the initiative aims to reduce the State House’s reliance on the national electricity grid and alleviate the financial burden posed by rising electricity tariffs.
The N10 billion allocation significantly contributed to the rise in the State House’s capital expenditure, which increased from N33.55 billion to N43.55 billion. Overall, the State House budget grew from N47.11 billion in the proposed budget to N57.11 billion in the approved version.
Officials cited unreliable power supply and the escalating cost of electricity—particularly for Band A users who are entitled to at least 20 hours of electricity daily—as key reasons for the shift to solar energy. In 2024, the tariff for Band A users surged from N78 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to N209/kWh within a matter of months.
In terms of electricity spending, the State House expended N483.34 million in 2024—up from N344.83 million in 2023—partly due to a bulk payment of N316.88 million made in October to clear outstanding arrears. For 2025, however, N311.09 million has been allocated under the Villa’s utility budget, suggesting an expectation of reduced dependence on the national grid once the solar grid becomes operational.
The overall State House budget also includes allocations for other capital projects such as infrastructure upgrades, maintenance of the Villa, settlement of contractor debts, and property renovations, all part of a broader push for sustainability and operational efficiency at the seat of power.
Despite the Presidency’s justification, the solar project has drawn criticism from Nigerians who argue that the President’s dependence on solar energy could send a discouraging message about the nation’s pursuit of a stable and reliable power supply. Critics fear it may symbolize a lack of confidence in the country’s public electricity sector.
In response, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle to defend the project. Sharing a video of solar installations at the White House, he wrote: “The White House in Washington, D.C., uses solar power,” reinforcing the administration’s position that the initiative aligns with global best practices.
Conclusion
While the N10 billion solar mini grid project for the Presidential Villa has stirred public debate, the federal government maintains that the move is strategic and sustainable, designed to ensure energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the long term. As the nation grapples with power sector reforms, the presidency’s shift to solar may serve as both a practical solution and a symbolic statement on the viability of renewable energy in Nigeria.
Like Our Story ? Donate to Support Us, Click Here
You want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity/live coverage for product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +16477721660 or email Adebaconnector@gmail.com
