The Federal Government is preparing to power the Presidential Villa entirely through a dedicated solar energy system as part of efforts to cut the soaring cost of electricity at the nation’s seat of power.
Officials disclosed that the transition follows the completion of a solar mini-grid project designed to reduce dependence on the national electricity network and lower annual energy expenses.
According to government officials, the Presidential Villa currently spends about N47 billion each year on electricity, a figure authorities consider unsustainable. The new renewable energy project is expected to significantly reduce these costs while providing a more stable source of power.
State House Permanent Secretary Temitope Fashedemi had earlier informed lawmakers that the solar installation was completed late in 2025 and was undergoing technical assessments before full deployment.
The project received N10 billion in funding through the 2025 budget, while an additional N7 billion was approved in the 2026 fiscal plan, bringing the total investment to approximately N17 billion.
The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, said the initiative was approved to address the high cost of electricity consumption at the Presidential Villa and support the government’s broader energy diversification strategy.
Over the years, the Villa has relied on electricity from the national grid alongside diesel-powered generators to maintain uninterrupted operations. With the new arrangement, solar power will become the primary energy source, while generators will remain available as backup.
The development comes amid persistent challenges in Nigeria’s power sector, including frequent grid collapses and unreliable electricity supply, which continue to affect homes, businesses and public institutions across the country.
While some stakeholders have welcomed the project as a practical investment in renewable energy and energy security, others argue that it raises concerns about confidence in the national grid’s ability to provide reliable power.
Solar panels and battery storage systems have already been installed across several sections of the Presidential Villa, including open spaces and parking areas, to support continuous electricity supply.
The initiative forms part of the Tinubu administration’s push for increased adoption of renewable energy technologies. However, the Presidency has yet to announce whether similar solar-powered systems will be deployed across other federal government facilities.
