By Myke Agunwa
Nigerians have been reacting to the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval of a mini solar grid for the presidential villa that will gulp a whopping sum of N10bn.
The move, which comes amid increasing electricity tariffs and widespread power outages, has sparked fresh concerns about the government’s ability to deliver on its commitment of providing affordable energy and consistent electricity to households and business owners.
While some have applauded the environmental benefits of the initiative, others have raised concerns about its price tag and whether such expenditure is prudent at a time when many citizens are grappling with economic hardship.
Recall that the Federal Government allocated ₦10bn in the 2025 budget for the installation of a solar mini-grid at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, listed under budget code ERGP202502463.
According to official budget records, the project titled “Solarisation of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid” is captured under capital expenditure.
The solar project increased the State House budget from ₦47.11bn in the proposed 2025 budget to ₦57.11bn in the approved version. Specifically, capital expenditure moved from ₦33.55bn to ₦43.55bn.
Despite this new initiative, the Presidency still allocated an additional ₦311m for conventional power supply, raising questions about the viability of the project.
The decision comes at a time when the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved a significant tariff hike under its new Band A classification.
Energy customers who are expected to get at least 20 hours of daily power now pay ₦225/kWh, over three times the previous ₦68 rate. While the government insists that only 15 per cent of consumers fall under Band A, many Nigerians have raised concerns over forced or erroneous classifications without corresponding improvements in power supply.
Netizens Speak
Monsieur Avril @monsieur_avril wrote on his X handle, “We will generate and distribute 20,000MW in four years’ N10bn worth of Solar power for his presidential residence”.
Another user commenting on the development said, “I don’t have anything against it, but why not do this in other critical areas?” @JimiDisu said.
Prince Ironsi 
(youngest father) @prince_ironsi shared his views thus: “Presidential villa approves the sum of ₦ 10bn to install solar system, and says bye bye to electricity because of high tariff. Believe your leaders at your one risk”.
Another X user Nneka @Ifudiya, who deals in solar equipment said, “Now that the presidential villa has decided to go on solar as the National grid in Nigeria can’t be trusted. No carry my money, go elsewhere, you can get a complete solar package from me”.
Mallam Ibrahim Auta, the CEO of Global Energy Solutions Limited has commended the presidency for the initiative.
“Many businesses in Nigeria should go off-grid, or at best, public power supply should be an alternative, not the main source of energy.
“The world is shifting towards renewable energy because it is cleaner and cheaper in the long run. It is very commendable for the presidency to take this step. My worry is that this initiative will not be another conduit pipe for syphoning public funds.
“Maybe every year, you will hear millions of naira budgeted to change solar batteries, each government will change the solar panel, all the chargers and other appurtenances which will defeat the aim of the initiative”, he said.
Presidency Defiant
Justifying the need to equip the seat of power with a mini grid, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday said that transitioning the State House to solar power aligns with global best practices, noting that the White House in Washington, D.C., also uses solar energy as part of its power supply.
“The White House in Washington D C uses solar power,” he wrote, implying that the adoption of renewable energy for high-level government facilities is not unprecedented and reflects a commitment to sustainability.
The presidential spokesman backed up his point with video of a similar project executed at the residence of its number one citizen, which explains the reasons the US Presidency opted for the solar alternative.
The proposed solar system, it was gathered, would provide stable electricity for the President’s residence, administrative offices, and other essential buildings within the State House complex, enhancing energy efficiency and long-term cost savings.