The Nigerian Presidency has come under intense criticism following the allocation of N10 billion in the 2025 Appropriation Act for the installation of a solar mini-grid at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The controversial project, listed as “Solarisation of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid”, aims to reduce reliance on the national grid and cut long-term electricity costs at the State House.
The project caused the overall budget of the State House Headquarters to rise from N47.11 billion in the initially proposed 2025 budget to N57.11 billion in the final approved version, sparking widespread outrage on social media.
Nigerians on the X platform (formerly Twitter) have criticized the government for prioritizing a luxury solar solution for the presidency, while citizens continue to suffer from erratic power supply and skyrocketing energy bills.
Spokesperson of the Labour Party in Lagos State, Ife Salako, commented, “FG don go buy solar. Na mumu dey wait for national grid.”
Medical doctor Dr. Olawale Ogunlana added, “The leaders who promised us constant electricity and to restore our national grid are currently installing solar panels. Nigeria is such a wonderful place.”
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) had earlier listed the Presidential Villa among top government defaulters, owing N923.87 million in electricity bills as of February 2024 — a debt that many believe contributed to the shift towards solar power.
Popular X user @DuruchibuzorE wrote, “This N10 billion ‘solar mini-grid’ project at the Presidential Villa is not innovation; it’s a white elephant designed to drain public coffers with a solar smile.”
Public reactions have largely painted the move as hypocritical and detached from the daily struggles of ordinary Nigerians. Critics argue that while leaders are insulating themselves from the broken power sector, millions remain at the mercy of a failing national grid.
