ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian presidency’s plan to spend N10 billion on installing solar power at the State House in Abuja has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians questioning the appropriateness of the expenditure.
According to reports, N10 billion has been allocated for the installation of a solar mini-grid at the Presidential Villa under the 2025 Appropriation Act.
This move, which comes amid rising energy bills and an unreliable national electricity supply, has been deemed necessary by the government to reduce dependence on the national grid and lower the energy costs for the State House.
The project, officially titled “Solarisation of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid,” has contributed to an increase in the overall budget allocation for the State House Headquarters from N47.11 billion to N57.11 billion in the approved 2025 budget.
The initiative is expected to alleviate energy costs at the Presidential Villa, especially as the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) listed the Presidential Villa among the top government debtors, with an outstanding bill of N923.87 million as of February 2024.
However, many Nigerians have voiced their disapproval of the spending on social media, expressing frustration over the disparity between government actions and the reality faced by the general public.
Critics argue that while the government invests billions in solar energy for the State House, millions of citizens continue to grapple with skyrocketing energy costs and frequent power outages.
Ife Salako, spokesperson for the Labour Party in Lagos State, took to social media to comment on the situation, writing, “FG don go buy solar. Na mumu dey wait for national grid.”
Dr. Olawale Ogunlana, a medical doctor, also voiced his displeasure, stating, “The leaders who promised us constant electricity and to restore our national grid are currently installing solar panels. Nigeria is such a wonderful place.”
Writer David Onyemaizu also condemned the project, accusing the government of neglecting the needs of the masses, stating, “Nothing concern them with band A or Z. Comfort for the government, misery for the masses.”
