Angry Nigerians Criticize Presidency Over N10bn Solar Power Project

The presidency’s decision to allocate N10 billion for a solar power installation at the State House, Abuja, has sparked outrage among Nigerians on social media. The funding, part of the 2025 Appropriation Act, is set to be used for the installation of a solar mini-grid at the Presidential Villa to address rising energy bills and unreliable electricity supply from the national grid.

This new capital project, referred to as the “Solarisation of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid,” led to an increase in the State House Headquarters’ budget, raising it from N47.11 billion in the original 2025 budget to N57.11 billion in the approved version.

The project is aimed at reducing the Villa’s dependency on the national grid, ultimately lowering energy costs for the government. The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) had previously listed the Presidential Villa among top government debtors, with an outstanding N923.87 million bill in February 2024.

Despite these intentions, many Nigerians on social media, particularly on X, have harshly criticized the move. They argue that the federal government’s focus on installing solar power at the presidential residence while the general public continues to face high energy costs and an unreliable national grid is a clear example of misplaced priorities.

Ife Salako, the spokesperson for the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, expressed dismay, stating, “FG don go buy solar. Na mumu dey wait for national grid.”

Dr. Olawale Ogunlana, a medical professional, added, “The leaders who promised us constant electricity and to restore our national grid are currently installing solar panels. Nigeria is such a wonderful place.”

Critics also labeled the N10 billion solar mini-grid project a waste of public funds. @DuruchibuzorE questioned the logic behind spending such a large sum on a single building, asking, “How do you justify spending ₦10 billion on powering one building when the national grid is in cardiac arrest?”

David Onyemaizu expressed frustration, writing, “This current administration knows exactly what they are doing. They took themselves off the failed National Grid and are set to install solar power that would gulp 10 billion naira. Comfort for the government, misery for the masses.”

Further adding to the criticism, @CuteNaija wrote, “I never thought I would see a Nigerian president giving up on power totally, cut away from the national grid, and install solar panels worth billions in his government house. You always think you have seen the worst example of bad governance, but they always up the ante!”