N10bn Aso Rock solar project mirrors global best practice–Presidency
Maureen Aguta
The Presidency has pushed back on the criticism over the recent approval of a N10 billion solar energy project for the State House, Aso Rock, describing it as a strategic long-term investment in sustainability and energy efficiency.
This comes amid mounting public criticism over the cost and timing of the initiative, given Nigeria’s current economic challenges, growing concerns about government spending and failure of public power supply.
Some Nigerians also lambasted the Tinubu government for reneging on its promise to provide stable power supply to the citizens adding that its adoption of solar power suggested it could no longer fulfil its promise.
In a statement released Tuesday evening on his verified X handle, Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said the project mirrors global standards for presidential residences, including the White House in Washington, D.C., which has adopted solar energy as part of its power supply strategy.
“The White House in Washington D.C. uses solar power,” Onanuga stated. “We are not reinventing the wheel. We are following a tested and globally accepted model for powering important national institutions sustainably.”
He accompanied the post with a video highlighting the US Presidential solar transition, emphasising that Nigeria’s leadership must set an example in embracing clean energy solutions.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had earlier approved the N10 billion allocation for the solar power infrastructure at the Presidential Villa during its last meeting, sparking backlash from Nigerians who questioned the necessity and timing of the expenditure.
But the Presidency insists the investment is both strategic and sustainable, pointing out that reliance on diesel generators for Aso Rock’s power needs is not only costly but also environmentally damaging.
“This isn’t just about saving money on fuel and maintenance costs in the long run; it’s about leading by example. If the President’s residence can go green, so can other institutions across Nigeria,” Onanuga added.