Nigeria’s struggling electricity sector has come under renewed scrutiny following plans by the presidency to install a ₦10 billion solar power system at the Presidential Villa, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to fixing the national grid.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, during the 2023 campaign, pledged to deliver 15 gigawatts of electricity and ensure round-the-clock power supply within four years. However, nearly three years into the administration, power generation continues to fluctuate between 3,000 and 5,500 megawatts.

The proposed solar project at Aso Rock Presidential Villa, alongside an additional ₦7 billion allocation for upgrades in the 2026 budget, has triggered criticism, with many interpreting the move as a sign of declining confidence in the national grid.

Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, described the development as troubling, arguing that government institutions should lead efforts to strengthen public infrastructure rather than abandon it.

He said the decision sends the wrong signal to millions of Nigerians who remain dependent on a fragile grid plagued by frequent collapses and unreliable supply.

The controversy reflects a broader shift among Nigeria’s elite and corporate sector away from public electricity supply. Across the country, more than 250 manufacturers and large institutions have adopted self-generation, collectively producing about 6,500 megawatts—exceeding average grid output.

Major industrial players, including the Dangote Group, now rely heavily on captive power systems, with the group alone generating approximately 1,500 megawatts for its operations.

Experts warn that this trend is creating a two-tier electricity system, where wealthy individuals and organisations secure independent power while ordinary citizens remain tied to an unreliable grid.

Data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission indicates that available capacity rose modestly from about 4,387 megawatts in 2023 to 5,395 megawatts in 2025. However, actual generation has remained inconsistent due to gas shortages, infrastructure constraints, and transmission bottlenecks.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, revealed that over 10,000 megawatts of installed capacity remains stranded, largely due to weak transmission and distribution systems.

Industry stakeholders say persistent debt across the value chain, inadequate metering, and high operational losses continue to discourage investment in the sector.

Energy analysts also warn that the growing reliance on self-generation is fragmenting the electricity market, diverting billions of naira into private solutions rather than strengthening national infrastructure.

As the administration advances toward the midpoint of its tenure, the gap between policy promises and sector performance remains a major concern.

For many Nigerians, the shift by the presidency toward solar power underscores a deeper reality: while alternative energy solutions may offer relief for the elite, millions of citizens remain dependent on a national grid that continues to fall short of expectations.

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