Aso Rock to Go Off National Grid as Tinubu Backs ₦10bn Solar Plan

In April 2025, the Nigerian government allocated ₦10 billion in the 2025 budget to install a solar-powered mini-grid at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. This initiative aims to reduce the Villa's reliance on the national electricity grid and address escalating energy costs. ​

The project encompasses the solarization of key facilities, including the main residence, the State House Medical Centre, and Dodan Barracks in Lagos. The government anticipates that this move will save up to ₦5 billion annually in electricity expenses. ​

This decision follows reports that the State House owed over ₦923 million in unpaid electricity bills, which were later reconciled to ₦342 million and subsequently settled.

While officials highlight the project's commitment to clean energy, critics argue it underscores the broader challenges within Nigeria's power sector, including high tariffs and inconsistent supply. The lack of a comprehensive national solar strategy has also raised concerns about equitable energy access across the country.

In a related development, the Federal Government has expressed intentions to curb the importation of photovoltaic solar panels, which have cost Nigeria over ₦200 billion. Efforts are underway to boost local production, with plans for a solar panel assembly plant in Lagos and a $150 million lithium battery facility in partnership with Green World.

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