The Federal Government has defended its decision to install a solar power grid at the Aso Rock Villa, citing the unsustainable cost of ₦47 billion annually in electricity bills.

Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, stated during a press briefing on Friday that President Bola Tinubu approved ₦10 billion for the installation to cut governance costs and diversify energy sources.

Abdullahi said the solar project would provide uninterrupted, clean energy, create jobs, foster innovation among Nigerian engineers and energy experts, and ease pressure on the national grid. He also disclosed that Nigeria’s recent energy sector innovations have attracted about $5.3 billion in pledged investments, particularly for grid expansion.

In 2024, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) issued a public notice threatening to disconnect the presidential villa and 86 government agencies over unpaid electricity debts totalling ₦47.1 billion, with the Villa itself owing ₦923.87 million.

Following the threat, President Tinubu directed immediate payment of the outstanding electricity bills to prevent a power cut at the seat of government. A statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, clarified that after reconciling accounts, the President ordered settlement of the debt to AEDC.