From Diesel To Sunshine: FG Explains Why Aso Rock Is Going Solar

The Federal Government has defended its move to install solar panels at the Aso Rock Villa, citing the need to cut down the massive electricity costs incurred at the nation’s seat of power.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, revealed that the Villa currently spends an unsustainable ₦47 billion annually on electricity. This prompted the administration to opt for a solar energy solution.

Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, Abdullahi stated that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader strategy to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix, lower the cost of governance, and secure a more sustainable power supply.

“It’s not viable for the Aso Rock Villa to keep paying about ₦47 billion yearly on electricity. That’s why President Tinubu approved ₦10 billion for the installation of a solar grid to power the Villa,” he said.

Abdullahi emphasized that the solar installation would not only ensure a steady supply of clean energy but also drive local employment, spur innovation among Nigerian engineers and energy professionals, and ease demand on the national grid.

He further noted that the project is part of a larger vision to promote energy self-sufficiency and align with global green energy trends. According to him, some of the administration’s recent energy initiatives have attracted significant interest from international development partners, leading to a pledged investment of $5.3 billion in Nigeria’s power sector, with a focus on grid expansion.

Power Payment Controversy at the Villa

In 2024, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) published a “Notice of Disconnection,” alleging that the presidential villa owed ₦923.87 million in electricity bills. The notice warned of imminent disconnection unless the Villa and 86 other government MDAs settled a total debt of ₦47.1 billion within 10 days.

President Tinubu swiftly intervened, directing the immediate payment of Aso Rock’s bill. His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, later clarified that the payment followed a reconciliation of accounts between the State House and the AEDC.