Nigeria News (Standard)
Aso Rock Moves to Solar Power After ₦47bn National Grid Bill, Presidency Confirms
State House says switch aims to cut costs as new solar mini-grid project receives ₦17bn in federal funding
State House says switch aims to cut costs as new solar mini-grid project receives ₦17bn in federal funding
The Presidency has announced that Aso Rock Villa in Abuja will disconnect from the national electricity grid following an annual power bill of about ₦47 billion, opting instead for a dedicated solar energy system. State House Permanent Secretary Temitope Fashedemi disclosed this development during a session with lawmakers, noting that the transition comes after the completion of a major solar mini-grid project at the seat of government.
Fashedemi explained that the solar installation was finished towards the end of 2025 and has been under technical evaluation ahead of full deployment. He stated, “The solar installation at the Villa was completed toward the end of 2025 and has remained under technical evaluation. We are hopeful that by March we will be able to effect a full cutover.”
The move follows years of mounting electricity bills at Aso Rock and is intended to reduce the government’s operational costs amid ongoing economic challenges. According to budget documents, ₦10 billion was earmarked for the project in 2025 under the programme titled “Solarisation of the Villa with Solar Mini Grid”, while an additional ₦7 billion was approved in the 2026 budget. This brings total federal funding for the initiative to around ₦17 billion.
Officials said shifting to renewable energy is expected to offer significant long-term savings for government and reduce dependence on Nigeria’s frequently unstable national grid. The State House stated that once technical checks are concluded, Aso Rock will operate fully on solar power, making it one of the first major federal facilities to do so.
Opposition parties were yet to comment on the development as at press time. However, energy sector observers say if successful, Aso Rock’s transition could encourage similar projects at other government institutions nationwide.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Tinubu Directs FCT Minister Wike to Allocate Land in Abuja for Abdulsalami Resource Centre
Presidency instructs FCT administration to support ex-Head of State’s legacy project; stakeholders await details on land size and location
Presidency instructs FCT administration to support ex-Head of State’s legacy project; stakeholders await details on land size and location
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to allocate a parcel of land in Abuja for the establishment of a resource centre by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd). The presidential directive was issued in Abuja on Saturday, according to official sources familiar with the development.
Officials said the move follows an application from General Abdulsalami seeking a dedicated site within the capital city to build a centre focused on research, dialogue, and national development initiatives. The precise size and location of the land are yet to be disclosed by FCT authorities as at press time, but sources within the ministry confirmed that implementation processes are now underway.
The decision is seen as part of ongoing efforts by President Tinubu’s administration to honour elder statesmen and encourage national unity projects. General Abdulsalami, who led Nigeria’s transition to civilian rule in 1999, remains an influential figure in peace-building circles across the country. His planned resource centre is expected to serve as a hub for policy dialogue and capacity building.
A senior aide in the presidency stated that Tinubu’s approval reflects his commitment to supporting institutions that foster national reconciliation. However, some observers have called for transparency in land allocations within Abuja, citing past controversies over public land management. No official reaction has been received from opposition parties regarding the directive.
FCT Minister Wike is expected to issue an update on the allocation process in the coming weeks, including details on when construction may commence. Stakeholders say successful implementation could strengthen Abuja’s reputation as a centre for national discourse and development.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Obasanjo Hails Abdulsalami, Military Leaders for Steering Nigeria Through Difficult Political Transitions
Former president acknowledges key military figures for their roles in maintaining stability during pivotal moments in Nigeria’s history
Former president acknowledges key military figures for their roles in maintaining stability during pivotal moments in Nigeria’s history
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has commended General Abdulsalami Abubakar and other senior military officers for their significant contributions in guiding Nigeria through several challenging political transitions. Obasanjo made this acknowledgement on Saturday, highlighting the critical role played by the nation’s military leadership during times of uncertainty.
Obasanjo, who himself is a retired general and former head of state, noted that leaders like Abdulsalami were instrumental in ensuring smooth handovers of power and preventing potential instability across the country. He praised their dedication to national unity, especially during periods when Nigeria faced threats to its democratic processes and territorial integrity.
The former president’s comments come at a time when Nigerians continue to reflect on the importance of peaceful transitions and strong institutions. Over the decades, military intervention has shaped the country’s political history, with various leaders stepping in to manage turbulent handovers between civilian and military governments. According to Obasanjo, it was the professionalism and patriotism of figures like Abdulsalami that helped safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
Obasanjo specifically highlighted General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s stewardship in 1998–1999, which paved the way for the return to civilian rule after years of military administration. He credited Abdulsalami and his colleagues with putting national interest above personal ambition. “Their actions ensured continuity and set a standard for responsible leadership,” Obasanjo said.
With ongoing debates about democratic consolidation and civil-military relations in Nigeria, Obasanjo called on current leaders to draw lessons from past transitions. He urged stakeholders at all levels to prioritise dialogue and consensus-building as mechanisms for resolving political differences.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Tinubu Mourns Ex-Defence Chief Rabe Abubakar, Vows Government Will Not Release Arrested Terror Suspects
President insists in Abuja that security agencies will not negotiate with armed groups or yield to threats after Abubakar’s death
President insists in Abuja that security agencies will not negotiate with armed groups or yield to threats after Abubakar’s death
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday paid tribute to the late former Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), in Abuja, assuring Nigerians that government will not bow to terrorists’ demands for the release of their detained members. Tinubu spoke during a condolence message issued following news of Abubakar’s passing.
According to the president, the federal government remains resolute in its stance against negotiating with any armed group or terrorist organisation seeking to free individuals held for security-related offences. He stressed that the loss of Major-General Abubakar is a painful blow to Nigeria’s defence community and described him as a dedicated officer who contributed immensely to national security during his years of service.
Abubakar, who served as Chief of Defence Intelligence before retiring, was known for his commitment to intelligence operations and strengthening Nigeria’s response to internal security threats. His death comes at a period when security concerns remain high across several regions, especially regarding the activities of armed groups and ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb terrorism.
In his statement, Tinubu reaffirmed government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians. “We are not going to yield or negotiate under duress with those who want to undermine our peace,” the president said. He urged security agencies to intensify efforts towards dismantling criminal networks and assured that no pressure would force government’s hand on releasing arrested terror suspects.
Government sources said investigations into terrorist activities would continue uninterrupted despite intimidation attempts by some groups. The late General Abubakar will be remembered for his professionalism and patriotism. Arrangements for his burial are expected to be announced by his family.
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