Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja is set to disconnect entirely from Nigeria’s national electricity grid by March 2026, following confirmation by the State House Permanent Secretary, Temitope Fashedemi, that a dedicated solar power mini-grid project has reached the final stages of testing and evaluation.
Fashedemi made the disclosure on February 11, 2026, while defending the 2026 State House budget before the Senate Committee on Special Duties at the National Assembly in Abuja. He told lawmakers that the solar installation at the Villa had been completed toward the end of 2025 and has been undergoing technical performance tests since December. With the testing phase nearing conclusion, he expressed confidence that a full transition to solar energy “cutover” could be effected by March.
As part of the 2025 federal budget, the Federal Government earmarked ₦10 billion for the solarisation of the Villa through the creation of an independent solar mini-grid, with an additional ₦7 billion proposed in the 2026 Appropriation Bill to consolidate and finalise the initiative. Officials say the project is designed to reduce reliance on the national grid, cut operational costs associated with diesel generators, and provide a more reliable power supply for the seat of government.
Fashedemi cited the State House Medical Centre’s earlier transition to solar power in May 2025 as evidence of the system’s viability. He told senators that the medical facility had operated almost entirely off generators since its solar installation, drawing only minimal power from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company when necessary, while the bulk of its electricity was generated through solar panels supported by battery storage.
Officials also highlighted that data gathered during the solar testing phase is being used to reconcile past electricity billing records with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, after instances of overbilling for power not supplied were reportedly identified. Prior to the solar project, the Villa had accumulated significant electricity debts, which were later settled under presidential directive.
Public reaction to the transition has been mixed. Supporters argue that the move aligns with broader efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce government expenditure, while critics contend it reflects persistent challenges in the national grid’s performance and underscores the inequality in reliable electricity access between federal institutions and the general populace.
If implemented as planned, the full switch to solar power will position Aso Rock among government facilities adopting renewable energy solutions, significantly decreasing its dependence on the national grid and costly diesel generators.
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