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| Presidential Villa switches to clean solar power. |
The State House set aside ₦10 billion in the 2025 budget for a solar mini‑grid at the Presidential Villa . This move aims to cut diesel use and shield the Villa from power outages.
The 2025 federal budget, called “Budget of Restoration,” totals ₦49.74 trillion . Of that, ₦14.1 trillion goes to capital projects . The energy sector gets ₦2.135 trillion, or 4 percent of total spending .
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Allocating ₦10 billion to one mini‑grid makes up about 0.47 percent of the energy budget. It signals a fresh push toward clean energy at the heart of government.
Nigeria’s power grid fails often. The national system collapses several times a week, costing the economy $29 billion yearly . A dedicated solar grid will keep key offices powered, even when the main grid goes down.
Mini‑grids pair solar panels with batteries and inverters. They can run 24/7 and avoid noise from diesel sets. Global reports say mini‑grids can deliver up to 10 megawatts, enough for over 1 700 homes .
This Villa project will use solar arrays and storage units sized to match peak demand. It will run lights, air‑cooling, and security systems. After bill savings, the system may pay for itself in five years.
Experts say Nigeria leads Africa in mini‑grid work. Its rules and feed‑in rates have lured private funds and made over 120 mini‑grids in rural areas . The Villa plan will show how to bring clean power to big sites.
Yet challenges remain. Vandalism of lines and high interest rates stall many projects . The government must guard panels and train technicians to keep systems running.
This N10 billion solar plan covers only one site. Some argue the money would help dozens of villages. Others say showing bold action at the top will spark wider change.
Rolling out solar at Aso Rock can spark debate. Will other agencies follow? Can rules stay clear for private firms? Will local firms win contracts and jobs? The answers will shape Nigeria’s power future.
Beyond the Villa, the budget offers steps to boost all renewables. It backs local manufacturing of panels and batteries. It taps World Bank funds for home solar and micro‑grids .
Nigeria’s goal is to cut fossil fuel use and ease living costs. Clean energy cuts air pollution and mutes carbon output. It also frees up dollars now spent on diesel imports.
This mini‑grid project stands as a test case. Successful work here may ease policy for more sites. It can help spread solar mini‑grids across schools, hospitals, and public parks.
In a nation where half the people lack grid power, every effort counts. A bold allocation at the Villa shows intent. The true test will be how fast and well the system rolls out.