A recent decision by the Nigerian government to install a N10 billion solar mini-grid system at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa has sparked nationwide outrage, with many citizens accusing the administration of prioritizing elite comfort over national hardship.
The project, aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power supply to the seat of government, comes at a time when millions of Nigerians are battling daily blackouts, unreliable electricity, and soaring energy costs.
While the national grid barely supplies 5,000 megawatts for a population of over 200 million, the Presidential Villa will now enjoy dedicated, clean energy, thanks to taxpayers’ money. Critics argue the move reflects a growing disconnect between the government and the people it is meant to serve.
Online Backlash
Social media platforms have become hotbeds of frustration, with Nigerians expressing disbelief over the allocation.
“Aso Rock used N10bn for solar panels for themselves, while you can’t afford N10m for your small house!” posted influencer @Morris_Monye on X (formerly Twitter).
“This shows they don’t care about giving us steady light,” added @novieverest, reflecting a sentiment widely echoed by frustrated citizens.
Experts React
Energy analyst Princewill Okorie of the Energy Consumer Protection and Advocacy Coalition (ECPAC) criticized the project, calling it a “tone-deaf decision” that reveals the government’s loss of confidence in fixing the national grid.
“How can leaders justify spending N10 billion on power for themselves while the rest of the country suffers in darkness? This isn’t a transition to clean energy—it’s a retreat from public responsibility,” Okorie said.
A Broken System
Across Nigeria, homes and businesses rely heavily on petrol and diesel generators to survive the country’s unreliable power supply. With fuel prices soaring and inflation hitting new highs, many families are forced to choose between electricity and basic needs.
Education and healthcare sectors are also affected, with schools and hospitals often lacking reliable electricity to operate effectively.
A Bigger Question
For many Nigerians, the solar project raises a critical question: Why is public money being used to provide luxury for leaders instead of solving foundational problems for all?
In marketplaces, homes, and online spaces, the outrage continues to build, echoing a common fear that the government is abandoning the collective struggle for power equity.
As one user bluntly put it: “Na only big man deserve light for this country?”
The N10 billion solar project is expected to move forward, but the uproar it has triggered shows no signs of dimming. For now, Nigerians continue to wait, mostly in the dark.
