Nigerians Question ₦10 Billion Aso Rock Solar Project as Major Hospitals Remain Without Power Solutions

A wave of public criticism has trailed the federal government’s ₦10 billion solar power installation at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, as Nigerians question why key medical institutions like the National Hospital Abuja, LUTH Lagos, UCH Ibadan, and ABUTH Zaria remain without similar solar power upgrades.

The solar project, which aims to transition the presidential complex to clean energy, has drawn backlash online and in civil society circles, with many describing it as a misplaced priority in the face of chronic power outages plaguing hospitals across the country.

"How is it that the presidential residence has a ₦10 billion solar upgrade while our teaching hospitals are relying on failing generators to run ICUs and surgical theatres?" one user posted on social media.

Critics argue that facilities like the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), which cater to thousands of patients daily, should be prioritized for energy infrastructure. Many hospitals have been forced to suspend critical services due to erratic electricity supply and skyrocketing diesel costs.

Healthcare professionals and public commentators are calling for a reallocation of national resources to improve hospital infrastructure, especially in power reliability, which directly affects patient outcomes.

The government is yet to issue a detailed justification for the Aso Rock solar installation's budget or clarify whether similar renewable energy projects are planned for public health institutions.