Why Aso Villa needs solar power grid – FG

The Federal Government says installation of a solar power grid at Aso Rock Villa is meant, among other things, to remove unsustainable cost of electricity at the seat of power.

The Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, said the villa currently incurs about  N47 billion annually in electricity bills. He explained that this was why President Bola Tinubu approved a N10 billion allocation to power the villa using solar energy.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Abdullahi said the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s agenda to diversify the country’s energy sources while cutting the cost of governance.

He added that the solar project would ensure uninterrupted, clean energy, stimulate job creation, promote innovation among Nigerian engineers, and reduce pressure on the national grid.

Abdullahi also disclosed that the administration’s innovations have drawn attention from development partners, who have set aside $5.3 billion for investment in Nigeria’s power sector, particularly for grid expansion.

Recall that in 2024, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) raised alarm over unpaid electricity bills, listing the presidential villa among 86 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) that owed a combined N47.1 billion.

In an advertorial titled Notice of Disconnection, AEDC claimed that Aso Rock owed N923.87 million and issued a 10-day ultimatum threatening to cut off power supply.

President Tinubu had swiftly intervened, directing the immediate payment of the villa’s electricity bill.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the president acted following a reconciliation of accounts between the State House and AEDC.

“President Bola Tinubu has directed immediate settlement of outstanding electricity bill due to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company,” the statement read.

It also clarified that contrary to AEDC’s initial claim, the reconciled amount owed by the State House stood at ₦342.35 million, as communicated in a letter dated February 14, 2024.

Following the reconciliation, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila assured that the debt would be paid before the end of that week, while urging other MDAs to settle their electricity debts.