Power Outages Persist As Presidency Approves ₦7bn Solar Project For Villa.

The administration of President Bola Tinubu has earmarked an additional ₦7 billion in the 2026 fiscal year for the solarisation of the Presidential Villa, continuing its investment in renewable energy for the seat of power.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Nivo News, the allocation is contained in the State House expenditure component of the 2026 budget and is designated for the installation of a solar mini-grid at Aso Rock, which accommodates the President and other top government officials. The provision is listed as funding for the solarisation of the Villa through a dedicated solar mini-grid system.

This new allocation follows a similar initiative in 2025, when the federal government set aside ₦10 billion for the same project, signalling a sustained commitment to transitioning the Presidential Villa to alternative energy sources.

The decision has, however, reignited public debate, coming at a time when millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with persistent power outages and unreliable electricity supply. The earlier allocation attracted widespread criticism, with many questioning the priority of powering the Villa amid economic hardship and a fragile national power infrastructure.

Critics argued that the move highlighted the government’s inability to address the broader electricity challenges facing households and businesses across the country. In response, the Presidency defended the project, describing it as a strategic investment in sustainability and long-term energy efficiency.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had explained that the initiative aligns with global best practices, noting that major government residences around the world, including the White House in the United States, make use of solar energy to ensure reliable and sustainable power supply.

The renewed focus on solar power for Aso Rock comes against the backdrop of recurring nationwide power crises. In April 2025, the national grid suffered a major collapse that plunged large parts of the country into darkness. Official data later showed that electricity generation fell sharply from over 2,000 megawatts to just 139.92 megawatts within a short period.

The grid experienced another collapse in September 2025, triggering widespread outages, including in major urban centres such as Lagos. A similar incident occurred in March 2025 after a brief surge in generation to about 6,000 megawatts, which was initially celebrated before output dropped dramatically below 1,000 megawatts.

These repeated failures have continued to expose the vulnerability of Nigeria’s power sector, fuelling growing demands from citizens for stable and reliable electricity to support homes, businesses, and essential services nationwide.