The Federal Government has earmarked N1.99 billion for diesel procurement to power electric generators at the State House in 2025.
This allocation comes amid delays in the government’s solar power project, which was initially scheduled to be operational between December 2024 and January 2025.
Reports indicate that N88.75 million was spent on diesel within the first half of 2024. According to data from GovSpend, a civic tech platform monitoring government expenditures, four separate diesel payments amounting to N88.75 million were made between March 15 and May 20, 2024.
On March 15, two payments were processed: N40.77 million to Emmahaly Petroleum Company Limited for supplying 30,000 litres of diesel to the State House Clinic and Vice President’s Guest House fuel dump, and N12.46 million to A.Y.M. Shafa Limited for 10 litres of diesel (as recorded) delivered to the State House Medical Centre.
Further payments to A.Y.M. Shafa Limited followed on May 20, covering diesel supplied on March 14. One payment of N26.23 million was made for 20,000 litres to the State House, while another N8.87 million was disbursed for an additional 20,000 litres.
The 2025 budget proposal includes an allocation of N1.99 billion for diesel to fuel power plants and generators at the State House. Official sources attribute this reliance on diesel-powered generators to the persistent instability of the national power grid, which has suffered multiple collapses, alongside increasing diesel costs and generator maintenance expenses.
Senior officials familiar with the power situation disclosed that once completed, the 40MW solar power plant could significantly reduce the State House’s N6 billion annual energy bill by at least N5 billion.
Originally, the solar project was expected to be completed by December 2024 for the State House Medical Centre, with expansion to the State House complex, including Dodan Barracks in Lagos, by January 2025.
While construction of a 1.2MW solar plant commenced at the medical centre in October 2024, no visible work had begun at the State House as of February 2025. A government source emphasized the unsustainability of high energy costs, noting that transitioning to solar power would drastically cut expenses and ensure a stable power supply.
The project involves installing solar roof canopies over car parks to optimize space while channeling energy to a battery plant for storage.
Sources revealed that the solar plant is designed to generate about 7MW in real-time output, with a peak capacity of 40MW. The project, approved to address the unstable power supply and high generator maintenance costs, is structured so that the contractor will handle maintenance for the first 15 years at no cost to the government. During the rainy season, when sunlight intensity is lower, backup power from the national grid and generators will be utilized.
Dr. Dike Obalum, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, previously explained that the medical centre was prioritized in the solar transition to ensure uninterrupted power for critical equipment, preventing damage from inconsistent electricity supply.
The 1.2MW capacity would allow the medical centre to operate with minimal reliance on the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), with solar energy serving as the primary power source. The panels are integrated into car park canopies to maximize space efficiency. However, the financial details of the project remain undisclosed, as the medical centre is solely a service provider and does not oversee project financing.
Senior officials from the State House Administration have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the matter. Meanwhile, power outages have persisted in the Federal Capital Territory, with the national grid collapsing more than ten times in 2024.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria attributed these failures to “partial disturbances of the system” without providing further details. Despite an installed capacity of approximately 13,000MW, Nigeria’s power grid transmits only 4,000MW due to ageing infrastructure, according to Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu.
This limited power supply is inadequate for a population exceeding 200 million, leaving many government agencies and households struggling with unreliable electricity and escalating power costs. In February, the AEDC issued a 10-day disconnection notice to 86 government agencies, including the State House, demanding payment of a collective N47.1 billion in outstanding electricity bills.
While the AEDC claimed the State House owed N923 million, officials countered that the actual debt was N342.35 million, as confirmed in a letter from the AEDC to the State House Permanent Secretary dated February 14, 2024. President Bola Tinubu subsequently authorized immediate payment of the outstanding debt.
Beyond infrastructure issues, Nigeria’s power grid has also been a target of sabotage. In October, armed groups damaged the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, cutting electricity supply to 17 northern states. Security concerns delayed repair efforts until President Tinubu ordered military protection for engineers working on the damaged transmission line. These challenges underscore the urgent need for alternative power solutions to mitigate the country’s energy crisis.