Group Knocks Dino Melaye Over Aso Rock Solar Power Criticism

The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has criticised former senator Dino Melaye over his remarks on the planned solar power project at the Presidential Villa, describing his claims as misleading and lacking a proper understanding of the issues involved.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, the group argued that the decision by the Federal Government to power Aso Rock with solar energy was a cost-saving measure rather than evidence of a failure in the country’s electricity sector.

According to the group, it was surprising that a former federal lawmaker could dismiss a project that is expected to save the country billions of naira annually.

TMSG recalled that officials of the State House had, during budget defence sessions before the National Assembly, repeatedly explained the rising cost of electricity at the Presidential Villa.

“It was not until recently that it emerged that Aso Rock’s yearly electricity bill had hit N47 billion, and that is without considering millions of naira that would need to be budgeted for diesel and maintenance of electricity generators for the complex,” the statement said.

The group also cited remarks by the Permanent Secretary, State House, Temitope Fashola, who had informed lawmakers that the proposed solar project would eliminate the huge cost of replacing ageing electricity generating plants at the Presidential Villa.

It added that the State House Clinic had already been operating on a solar-powered system since May last year, resulting in significant savings.

TMSG maintained that the proposed ₦17 billion solar project should be viewed as a prudent investment that would reduce recurrent expenditure while freeing electricity previously allocated to the Presidential Villa for use by residents of the Federal Capital Territory.

“If the President Bola Tinubu administration is opting for a solar power project costing N17 billion, which is a one-off payment for off-grid power supply, should this not be seen as a cost-cutting measure deserving of praise?” it asked.

The group also rejected Melaye’s assertion that the Tinubu administration had abandoned efforts to improve electricity supply across the country.

It pointed to ongoing reforms in the power sector, including the decentralisation of electricity regulation to allow greater participation by state governments, continued implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative under the Siemens project, and efforts to clear outstanding debts owed to electricity generation companies.

According to TMSG, the government is also expanding the deployment of smart meters to address the challenge of estimated billing nationwide.

“Only a political operative with ulterior motives like the former Senator would claim that the federal government is abandoning the power sector, especially as we are moving closer to another Presidential election,” the group stated.

The organisation further argued that the adoption of solar energy at the Presidential Villa aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.

It noted that the initiative forms part of the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative (NPSSI), which is expected to extend renewable energy solutions to Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The group urged Melaye to be better informed before making public comments on government policies, insisting that public debate should be based on facts rather than political considerations.