Federal Government Launches ₦10bn Solar Mini-hood Project to Power Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun constructing a ₦10 billion solar mini-grid to provide a sustainable power supply to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. This bold initiative underscores a shift towards renewable energy and addresses the ongoing challenges posed by the unreliable national electricity grid.
The project, already in progress, will see solar panels installed in key areas of the Villa, including the Banquet Hall parking lot, the visitors’ lot, and the lakeside area. Listed under budget code ERGP202502463, it is one of the few actively advancing projects in the 2025 national budget, reflecting the government’s focus on clean energy solutions.
Julius Berger, a prominent Nigerian construction company, is executing the project in partnership with Bartum Energy, a renewable energy firm established in 2016 and known for championing solar power as a dependable alternative. This collaboration aims to deliver a robust, eco-friendly power system tailored to the needs of the Presidential Villa.
The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s clean energy ambitions, which aim to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels and promote sustainable policies. However, the project has sparked debate, with some critics suggesting it highlights the government’s recognition of the national grid’s failures. Despite an installed capacity of 14,000 megawatts, only about 4,500 megawatts reach consumers, often inconsistently.
The ₦10 billion solar project is set to ensure a reliable and uninterrupted power supply for the Presidential Villa, potentially paving the way for similar renewable energy projects across Nigeria. As work progresses, the initiative could serve as a blueprint for enhancing energy resilience and sustainability nationwide.
