Nigerians have expressed outrage over the federal government’s decision to allocate N10 billion for installing a solar mini-grid at the State House in Abuja. The new solar project, aimed at reducing reliance on the national grid and lowering energy costs for the government, has ignited widespread criticism, particularly from social media users.
The project, listed as “Solarisation of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid,” is part of the 2025 Appropriation Act and increases the State House’s budget from N47.11 billion to N57.11 billion. Critics argue that spending such a large sum on a single building while the national grid continues to fail the public is an example of misplaced priorities.
Many Nigerians, including political figures and everyday citizens, have voiced concerns over the project’s impact, accusing the government of prioritizing luxury for the elite while citizens continue to suffer from unreliable electricity and high energy bills.
Key criticisms include the allocation of funds for the solar mini-grid despite previous government promises to restore the national grid. Critics also referred to the project as a “white elephant” designed to drain public coffers.
The backlash continues to grow as more Nigerians question the government’s commitment to solving the national power crisis and urge transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
