Presidency Ignores Masses, Places Aso Rock Exclusively On Solar Power

The Federal Government has begun a N10 billion solar mini-grid project to power Aso Rock Presidential Villa, effectively taking the seat of power off the troubled national electricity grid while millions of Nigerians remain in darkness.

The project, already underway, has seen major parts of the Villa—such as the Banquet Hall car park, visitors’ parking area, and surrounding lake zone—converted into solar panel stations. It is being handled by Julius Berger in partnership with renewable energy firms, including Bartum Energy.

Listed under budget code ERGP202502463, the project is one of the most prominent early implementations of the 2025 budget. However, it has sparked outrage over what many see as a disregard for the country’s worsening electricity crisis.

Critics say while President Bola Tinubu’s government claims to champion energy transition, it has chosen to power Aso Rock independently with solar energy, leaving Nigerians to grapple with blackouts and skyrocketing power costs.

Despite an installed national capacity of 14,000 megawatts, only about 4,500MW is available on the grid. With frequent collapses and unreliable supply, many homes and businesses rely on diesel generators or are now forced to turn to solar energy—often at their own cost.

The solar project alone takes up more than 17 per cent of the Villa’s capital budget, which rose from N47 billion to N57 billion after legislative approval. Observers argue that rather than leading by example, the government has chosen convenience for itself over lasting solutions for the people.

According to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, industries have spent over N1 trillion on self-generated power, while households increasingly invest in off-grid solutions amid persistent blackouts.

While the move may be hailed as a step towards renewable energy, it also highlights a deepening energy divide, with the Presidency opting for uninterrupted power while the rest of the nation struggles with an unreliable grid.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.

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