The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has defended the Federal Government’s decision to install a solar power system at the State House, dismissing criticism by former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye as “uninformed” and lacking an understanding of the project’s economic benefits.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, the group argued that the Aso Rock solarisation project is a cost saving initiative rather than evidence that the President Bola Tinubu administration has abandoned efforts to improve electricity supply in the country.
According to TMSG, annual electricity expenditure at the Presidential Villa had risen to about N47 billion, excluding the cost of diesel and maintenance of power-generating plants.
The group recalled that the Permanent Secretary, State House, Temitope Fashola, had informed lawmakers during a budget defence session that the proposed N17 billion solar project would reduce recurrent electricity costs and eliminate the need to replace ageing generators at the Presidential Villa.
The statement also noted that the State House Clinic has operated independently of the national grid since May 2024 through a solar powered system, which it said has already delivered significant cost savings
TMSG maintained that the one off investment in solar infrastructure should be viewed as a prudent financial decision, adding that electricity previously allocated to the Presidential Villa would now remain available on the national grid for residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
The group expressed surprise that Melaye, a former federal lawmaker, criticised the project despite his legislative experience and familiarity with government budgeting processes.
Responding to claims that the Tinubu administration had abandoned the power sector, TMSG said the government had continued implementing reforms aimed at improving electricity supply.
It cited the decentralization of the electricity sector through recent legislation, the continued implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), popularly known as the Siemens Power Project, efforts to settle legacy debts owed to electricity generation companies (GENCOs), and the rollout of millions of smart meters to address estimated billing.
The group also argued that the solarisation project aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2060 through the adoption of cleaner energy sources.
According to TMSG, the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI) is expected to extend similar renewable energy projects to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), with the State House leading the transition.
The group urged the former senator to be better informed before making public comments on government policies, insisting that his criticism of the solar project was politically motivated and failed to reflect the broader objectives of the administration’s power sector reforms.
