The Presidency has defended the controversial N10 billion solar power project proposed for the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, citing global best practices, including the use of solar energy at the White House in Washington D.C., United States.
Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, on Tuesday, shared a video clip of solar panels installed at the White House, noting that the Nigerian Presidency was only following the footsteps of developed nations in transitioning to renewable energy.
“The White House in Washington D.C. uses solar power,” Onanuga wrote in the caption accompanying the video posted on X.
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His comments follow growing public backlash over the proposed multi-billion naira project. While some Nigerians have welcomed the initiative as a step towards sustainable energy and reduced dependence on the erratic national grid, others have criticised it as an extravagant move that underscores the persistent failures of Nigeria’s electricity sector.
Critics argue that spending N10 billion on solar infrastructure for a single location, the seat of government, sends the wrong signal in a country where millions live without access to reliable electricity. They say the project reflects a lack of commitment to fixing the national grid and improving power distribution nationwide.
However, supporters of the initiative believe the Presidency is leading by example in embracing clean energy. Some have also pointed to the long-term cost savings and improved energy security for critical government infrastructure.
