The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to power all federal universities and tertiary hospitals across Nigeria with 148 megawatts of clean, renewable energy.
This initiative, which will be implemented across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, was announced by the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, during a press briefing held in Abuja on Friday.
As part of the “Renewed Hope Solarization Project,” each of the 37 federal universities will receive 2 MW of renewable energy, alongside an additional 2 MW of solar hybrid systems for each of the 37 federal tertiary hospitals nationwide.
Abdullahi emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions:
“Let me use this medium to announce a novel solarization program called the Renewed Hope Solarization Project, for the provision of 2 megawatts of Clean Renewable Energy in Each of the 37 Federal Universities across the 36 states and FCT.
“Also, the government is providing 2 Megawatts of Solar Hybrid System in Each of the 37 Tertiary Hospitals across the 36 States and FCT. Thank you and God Bless Nigeria.”
He explained that the initiative is designed to decrease dependence on traditional power sources while lowering the carbon footprint of government-owned institutions.
Addressing concerns around the recently approved ₦10 billion solar project for the Presidential Villa, Abdullahi clarified that it was necessary due to the massive electricity debt burden carried by federal institutions in Abuja.
“Before President Tinubu’s administration, federal institutions in Abuja, including the Presidential Villa, owed the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) an eye-watering ₦47.1bn in unpaid electricity bills. That energy bill, paid from taxpayers’ money, is not sustainable.
“Transitioning to alternative and sustainable energy sources significantly reduces such burden and allows government institutions to become models of efficiency by cutting costs and enhancing reliable and sustainable governance.
“Invariably, the move clearly intends to insulate Nigerians from incessant high electricity bills, which underscores the President’s commitment to cutting costs and reducing spending across public and private facilities.”
He further urged Nigerians to view the ₦10bn investment not as an extravagance but as a step toward long-term gains:
“The recent approval of ₦10bn for the provision of solar electricity for the Presidential Villa has stirred public debate.
“Some questioned its timing and necessity, interpreting it as a deviation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign promise to provide stable electricity and prepaid meters to Nigerians.”
Abdullahi also pointed to global examples of successful renewable energy transitions, noting:
“We may recall that there has always been advocacy for reduction in the cost of governance. Around the world, nations are transitioning profoundly toward renewable energy and the wins are great.
“In Kenya, solar mini-grids now power remote villages, while in Bangladesh, over 20 million people benefit from solar home systems.
“Germany, one of the most industrialized nations, sources nearly half of its electricity from renewables, despite their incomparable solar irradiation intensity when compared with Nigeria.
“The White House Building (US Presidential House) is not left out among those presidential edifices with alternative power.”
He added that the solarization of the Aso Rock Villa is a symbolic and practical gesture:
“The Aso Rock Villa’s solar power initiative sends a clear message to citizens, investors and global partners that Nigeria is ready to take control of its energy destiny.
“We must lead in Africa by utilizing more of the available resources in meeting our needs. Consequently, the gains go far beyond electricity:
“This initiative opens doors to thousands of jobs in solar panel manufacturing; systems design, installation, operation and maintenance.
“It fosters innovation among the indigenous engineers, entrepreneurs, and young graduates seeking opportunities in a global green economy.
“It reduces pressure on our overstretched national grid, cuts long-term costs and puts us on a path to energy equity.
“More importantly, it plants the seeds for decentralized renewable power systems that can light up rural communities and empower under-served and unserved communities across the country.
“This initiative is not about lighting up the State House alone; rather, it’s about a long-term energy vision; a vision where Nigeria breaks free from the cycle of energy debt and enjoys uninterrupted energy supply.
“It also comes as a more sustainable, affordable, and accessible alternative for all Nigerians. Let us not be distracted by the price tag but focus on the expected gains.
“The ₦10bn solar investment is a pathway to a future where every Nigerian can aspire to have uninterrupted, clean, and affordable energy. Certainly, history will remember this decision as the spark that ignited a national energy revolution in modern-day Nigeria,” the DG concluded.