Aso Rock to spend N1.99bn on diesel

Aso Rock to spend N1.99bn on diesel

The Federal Government has allocated N1.99 billion for diesel to power generators at the State House in 2025, despite ongoing plans for a 40MW solar power project aimed at reducing energy costs.

The move comes as delays push the expected completion of the solar project beyond its initial December 2024 – January 2025 timeline.

Investigations reveal that in the first half of 2024 alone, the FG spent N88.75 million on diesel for the State House Clinic, Vice President’s Guest House, and other facilities. Payments tracked between March and May 2024 showed multiple disbursements to fuel suppliers.

Senior officials blame the situation on national grid failures, rising diesel prices, and generator maintenance costs, forcing the Presidency to sustain power through traditional means.

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The solar project, once completed, is expected to slash the State House’s N6 billion annual power bill by at least N5 billion.

While work has begun on a 1.2MW solar plant at the State House Medical Centre, no construction activity has been recorded at the main State House complex as of February 2025.

A senior official close to the project admitted that maintaining generators was unsustainable.

“We are making this switch because Mr. President approved it. Once operational, solar power should cover most of our needs from 7 AM to 7 PM, drastically reducing costs,” the official told Punch.

Nigeria’s unstable power grid, which collapsed over 10 times in 2024, has left the government and citizens struggling with high energy costs.

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) previously demanded a N923 million debt payment from the State House, though officials disputed this figure, claiming it was N342.35 million, which President Bola Tinubu later approved for settlement.

Aso Rock to spend N1.99bn on diesel