The Presidency has risen in strong defence of the Federal Executive Council’s approval of a N10 billion solar energy project for the State House, amid public outcry over the cost and timing of the initiative.
The State House allocated N10 billion in the 2025 approved budget for the installation of a solar mini-grid at the Presidential Villa.
This follows an increase in the overall budgetary allocation to the State House Headquarters, which rose from N47.11 billion in the initially proposed 2025 budget to N57.11 billion in the approved version.
The additional N10 billion was traced to a jump in capital expenditure, which moved from N33.55 billion to N43.55 billion.
Defending the jump, Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on his verified X handle, stressed that transitioning the State House to solar power aligned 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,” Onanuga wrote, implying that the adoption of renewable energy for high-level government facilities is not unprecedented and reflects a commitment to sustainability.
The Special Adviser illustrated his point with video of a similar project executed for the American number one residence, which explains the reasons the US Presidency opted for the solar alternative.
The proposed solar system, sources said, 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.
While some Nigerians have hailed 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.
A breakdown of the new capital items reveals that the increase was solely due to the planned solar project, titled “Solarisation of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid,” with a full allocation of N10 billion.
The move comes amid growing concerns over unreliable public electricity supply and the high cost of electricity for both households and government institutions.
The solar project is expected to reduce dependence on the national grid and limit the impact of tariff hikes on government finances.
The State House has also struggled with unpaid electricity bills following the Band A classification by Electricity Distribution Companies, DisCos.
In February 2024, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company listed the Presidential Villa among top government debtors, with an outstanding bill of N923.87 million.
