Amanze Chinonye
The Aso Rock Presidential Villa is set to disconnect entirely from Nigeria’s national electricity grid by March 2026, following the completion and testing of its solar power mini-grid, the State House Permanent Secretary, Temitope Fashedemi, has disclosed.
Fashedemi made the revelation while defending the 2026 State House budget before the Senate Committee on Special Duties, emphasizing that the move aligns with the government’s efforts to cut electricity costs and ensure a more reliable power supply for the Villa.
“The Solar Mini-Grid Project has been largely completed, and technical tests have been ongoing since December 2025. We expect a full transition by March 2026,” Fashedemi said, citing the State House Medical Centre as a successful pilot, which has operated almost entirely on solar power since May 2025.
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The Federal Government initially allocated ₦10 billion for the solarization project in the 2025 budget, with an additional ₦7 billion proposed in the 2026 Appropriation Bill to complete the initiative. Once fully operational, the Villa will significantly reduce reliance on diesel generators.
Fashedemi also noted the Villa’s prior electricity debts, initially reported at ₦923 million and later adjusted to ₦342 million, which were settled following President Tinubu’s directive. He further alleged instances of overbilling by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
While officials frame the shift as economically and environmentally prudent, some Nigerians have criticized the plan, saying it underscores ongoing challenges with the national power grid and highlights inequality in access to stable electricity.
The move positions Aso Rock among government facilities adopting renewable energy solutions, with backup generators retained only for emergencies, officials confirmed.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
