FG Begins ₦10bn Solar Project at Aso Rock Amid National Grid Failures
The Federal Government has begun constructing a ₦10 billion solar mini-grid to power Aso Rock Presidential Villa — a move signalling both a shift to renewable energy and growing distrust in Nigeria’s fragile national electricity grid.
Large sections of the Villa, including the Banquet Hall parking lot, visitors’ lot, and lakeside area, are now designated for solar panel installations. The project, listed under code ERGP202502463, is one of the few visibly progressing items in the 2025 national budget.
Julius Berger is executing the project in partnership with renewable energy company Bartum Energy, known for promoting solar as a dependable alternative since its incorporation in 2016.
While this move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s clean energy goals, critics say it also reflects the government’s tacit admission that the national grid has failed. Despite 14,000MW of installed capacity, only about 4,500MW reaches end users — often unreliably.
Previously, most Nigerians relied on diesel generators, but surging fuel costs and electricity tariffs, especially under Band A, are now pushing households and businesses toward solar alternatives. Aso Rock is following suit — at a steep cost.
The solar project represents over 17% of the Villa’s capital budget, which jumped from ₦47 billion to ₦57 billion after legislative review — raising new concerns about fiscal priorities.
Analysts argue the government should have focused on fixing the grid for all Nigerians instead of prioritizing off-grid power at the seat of power. Data from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) shows industrial firms have spent over ₦1 trillion on self-generation in recent years.
Despite one of the world’s highest self-generation rates, Nigeria’s grid still collapses frequently and delivers less than 5,000MW for over 200 million people. While the Aso Rock solar project is innovative, it has also reignited concerns over energy inequality and p++r infrastructure planning.