The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has earmarked an additional N7 billion in the 2026 budget for the solarisation of the Presidential Villa.
Details released by the Budget Office of the Federation show the allocation listed under State House expenditures. The sum is specifically captured as “provision of solarisation of Villa with solar mini grid.”
This comes a year after the Federal Government allocated N10 billion in the 2025 budget for the same solar power project at Aso Rock.
The move to develop a solar grid for the Presidential Villa—home to the President and other top officials—has drawn attention against the backdrop of persistent power outages affecting many Nigerians. In April 2025, the Tinubu administration faced public backlash over the initial N10 billion allocation but defended the decision.
The Presidency described the project as a strategic, long-term investment aimed at sustainability and energy efficiency, despite criticism over its cost and timing amid economic hardship and concerns about government spending. Critics also argued that adopting solar power at the Presidential Villa contradicted the administration’s promise to ensure stable electricity nationwide.
Responding to the criticism, Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said the project aligns with global best practices. In a statement shared on his verified X account, he noted that major presidential residences, including the White House in Washington, D.C., use solar energy.
“The White House in Washington D.C. uses solar power,” Onanuga said. “We are not reinventing the wheel. We are following a tested and globally accepted model for powering important national institutions sustainably.”
