The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, has defended the federal government’s decision to install a N10 billion solar power grid at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

This comes amid mounting public criticism over the cost and timing of the initiative, given Nigeria’s current economic challenges and growing concerns about government spending.

Some Nigerians also lambasted the President Bola Tinubu-led government for reneging on its promise to provide stable power supply to the citizens adding that its adoption of solar power suggested it could no longer fulfil its promise.

Briefing newsmen on Friday, Abdullahi said President Tinubu approved the solar power grid because it is unsustainable for the Aso Rock Villa to continue to pay about N47 billion yearly in power bills.

He stated that the decision was approved by the President as part of efforts to reduce the cost of governance and promote cleaner, more sustainable energy use.

“It is unsustainable for the Aso Rock Villa to continue to pay about N47 billion yearly in power bills.

“This is why Mr. President approved the deployment of a solar power grid within the Villa,” Abdullahi stated.

He added that it will bring uninterrupted and clean energy, create jobs, foster innovation among Nigerian engineers and energy experts, and ultimately reduce pressure on the national grid.

“This initiative will not only ensure uninterrupted and clean energy supply to the seat of power but will also stimulate job creation and foster innovation among Nigerian engineers and energy experts,” he said.