10 Billion Solar Project in Aso Rock Villa as Millions of Nigerians Grope in Darkness

Abuja, Nigeria – April 22, 2025

The Nigerian government’s decision to install a 10 billion solar power system in Aso Rock Villa has ignited nationwide outrage, with citizens and energy experts condemning the move as a reckless misplacement of priorities while millions continue to suffer in perpetual darkness.  

Recent reports reveal that the Federal Government has approved a staggering 10 billion (approximately $6.7 million) for the installation of solar power in the Presidential Villa to ensure uninterrupted electricity. Meanwhile, over 90 million Nigerians nearly half the population lack access to reliable electricity, and businesses, hospitals, and households depend on expensive generators to survive.  

The move has been widely interpreted as a glaring admission of failure in the power sector, with critics arguing that if the government cannot fix the national grid, it has no moral justification in spending billions to shield itself from the same crisis plaguing the nation.  

Nigeria’s electricity crisis remains one of the worst in the world. Despite generating less than 5,000 megawatts for over 200 million people, the national grid collapses frequently, sometimes multiple times in a month. The privatization of the power sector in 2013 was supposed to bring efficiency, but a decade later, power supply has only worsened.  

Spending 10 billion to power a single compound while the entire nation suffers is the height of insensitivity. This shows that the government has given up on fixing the power sector and is only interested in securing comfort for the privileged few.”

The announcement has sparked fury across social media, with Nigerians accusing the Presidency of hypocrisy. The hashtag #LetThemFeelTheDarkness trended on X (formerly Twitter), with citizens demanding that political leaders experience the same power failures as ordinary Nigerians.  

Instead, the government has chosen to prioritize comfort for the elite while ordinary Nigerians are left to fend for themselves.  

If the government truly believes in renewable energy, experts argue, it should:  

1. Declare a state of emergency in the power sector and commit to real reforms.  

2. Invest in decentralized solar solutions for communities, not just VIP residences.  

3. Hold DisCos accountable for poor service delivery.  

The 10 billion solar project in Aso Rock is more than just an energy upgrade—it is a symbol of a disconnected leadership that has lost touch with the realities of its citizens. If the government cannot fix electricity for all Nigerians, it has no moral right to enjoy exclusive, taxpayer-funded comfort.  

For now, the lights will shine brightly in the Presidential Villa—while the rest of Nigeria remains trapped in darkness.  

Hicia News