Nigeria To Accelerate Sustainable Energy Transition with N10 Billion Presidential Solar Power Project — ECN DG

Nigeria is making bold strides toward a cleaner, more reliable, and sustainable energy future, driven in part by the Presidency’s new N10 billion solar power initiative, says Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General and CEO of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).

Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Dr. Abdullahi described the initiative as a “landmark step” in advancing energy efficiency and reform across the country’s power sector. He emphasized that the project is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of overhauling Nigeria’s energy architecture and eliminating the long-standing burden of energy-related debt.

“I fully support the Presidency’s N10 billion solar power project,” Dr. Abdullahi stated. “It represents a critical move toward energy sustainability, economic self-reliance, and universal access—cornerstones of President Tinubu’s broader energy sector reforms.”

The solar initiative comes at a time when federal institutions owe a combined N47.1 billion in energy liabilities—a situation the current administration inherited and is now addressing through innovative, clean energy solutions.

Dr. Abdullahi highlighted solar energy’s potential to provide cost-effective, reliable electricity, particularly in underserved rural communities. He noted that the project is designed to reduce the pressure on the national grid, lower electricity tariffs for consumers, and create new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities through localized solar deployment.

“Solar power doesn’t just promise energy efficiency—it shields citizens from fluctuating tariffs and aligns with proven models from countries like Kenya and Germany,” he explained. “Beyond lighting homes, it will power rural economies, spark job creation, and fuel long-term sectoral transformation.”

The project also has environmental and economic benefits, including reduced reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, and strengthened energy security. Its decentralized nature allows for broader coverage, reaching areas historically excluded from grid connectivity.

Dr. Abdullahi urged Nigerians to embrace the broader vision behind the investment and focus on its long-term impact.

“This initiative has the potential to ignite an energy revolution. It is not just a project for today—it is a national investment in future generations and a critical step in establishing Nigeria as a leader in renewable energy across Africa,” he said.

The solar power project has attracted both praise and criticism, with some questioning its cost and prioritization. However, presidential aide Bayo Onanuga defended the initiative, drawing parallels to international best practices. He cited the successful integration of solar power at the White House in Washington D.C., reinforcing the importance of sustainable energy adoption at key government institutions.

Despite public scrutiny, Dr. Abdullahi reaffirmed that the Presidency’s solar project is a strategic response to Nigeria’s energy challenges and a foundation for long-term reform and environmental stewardship.