The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has hailed the ₦10 billion solar power project recently approved for the Presidential Villa as a strategic move towards sustainable energy and long-term savings, countering public concerns over its cost.
At a media briefing held in Abuja on Friday, ECN Director General Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi described the project as a “forward-thinking investment” aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s energy reform agenda.
“The government’s shift to solar is not just about lighting the Villa. It’s about cutting long-term costs, easing pressure on the national grid, and modeling efficient energy use for the rest of the country,” Abdullahi said.
He emphasized that the initiative represents a significant policy shift, especially considering the ₦47.1 billion in unpaid electricity bills previously owed by several federal institutions, including the State House, to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
A Catalyst for Renewable Energy and Job Creation
Abdullahi noted that the solar installation at Aso Rock isn’t an isolated move but part of a comprehensive renewable energy plan under President Tinubu’s leadership. He also revealed that the project is designed to drive job creation, especially in the areas of solar panel manufacturing, installation, design, and maintenance.
He further stressed that the government is deliberately nurturing a green economy to empower engineers, local entrepreneurs, and young Nigerians in the clean energy space.
Referencing global benchmarks, Abdullahi pointed to similar renewable efforts in Kenya, Bangladesh, Germany, and even the White House in the U.S., stating:
“The Aso Rock solar project sends a powerful message Nigeria is ready to take control of its energy destiny.”
The ECN boss also announced the launch of the Renewed Hope Solarisation Project, which will provide 2 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to each of the 37 federal universities across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Additionally, two megawatts of solar hybrid systems will be deployed to each of the 37 tertiary hospitals, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to public-sector energy use.
“It lays the foundation for a decentralised renewable energy system that can transform rural and under-served communities,” Abdullahi stated.
Abdullahi also referenced President Tinubu’s National Energy Compact, introduced at the Mission 300 Summit in Tanzania, which features a $5.3 billion investment plan for power infrastructure. Backed by partners such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, European Union, and USAID, the Compact covers both on-grid and off-grid energy solutions.
“This administration is committed to solving Nigeria’s electricity challenges from generation to distribution,” he said. “And this project is a key part of that journey.”
While critics have questioned the ₦10 billion price tag for powering the Presidential Villa with solar, the ECN insists it’s an investment in energy resilience, cost-efficiency, and a model for sustainable growth. With parallel projects rolling out nationwide, Nigeria may finally be turning the corner on its power sector crisis.
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