The Nigerian presidency has defended the Federal Executive Council’s approval of a N10 billion solar energy project for the State House, amid public scrutiny over the cost and timing of the initiative.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the clarification on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, following media reports questioning the necessity of the project.
Onanuga argued that transitioning the State House to solar power aligns with global best practices, noting that the White House in Washington D.C. also uses solar energy as part of its power supply.
“The White House in Washington D.C. uses solar power,” he wrote, implying that the adoption of renewable energy for high-level government facilities is not unprecedented and reflects a commitment to sustainability.
The proposed solar system would provide stable electricity for the President’s residence, administrative offices, and other essential buildings within the State House complex, enhancing energy efficiency and long-term cost savings.
While some Nigerians have applauded the environmental benefits of the initiative, others have raised concerns about its price tag and whether such expenditure is prudent at a time when many citizens are grappling with economic hardship.
Onanuga illustrated his point with a video of a similar project executed for the American presidential residence, which explains the reasons the US Presidency opted for the solar alternative.
The project has sparked a mixed reaction, with some questioning the timing and cost, while others see it as a step towards sustainability and energy efficiency.
The Presidency maintains that the project is a necessary step towards reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and promoting sustainability.