The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled an ambitious clean energy initiative aimed at powering all Federal Universities and Tertiary Hospitals across the country with renewable energy. This project will provide a total of 148 megawatts (MW) of clean energy, with each of the 37 Federal Universities and 37 tertiary hospitals across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) receiving 2 MW each.
Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), announced the project—named the “Renewed Hope Solarization Project”—during a press conference in Abuja. He said the initiative is part of the federal government’s broader commitment to sustainable energy development and reducing reliance on conventional power sources, while also cutting carbon emissions from public institutions.
Abdullahi explained that the goal is to improve energy efficiency within government-run institutions, reduce high electricity bills, and ultimately position Nigeria as a leader in renewable energy across Africa. The initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs in areas such as solar panel production, installation, system design, and maintenance. It will also promote innovation among local engineers, entrepreneurs, and young graduates eager to engage with the global green economy.
Addressing public criticism over the recent ₦10 billion approved for solar electrification of the Presidential Villa, Abdullahi clarified that the move was intended to tackle unsustainable electricity bills. Federal government institutions, including the Presidential Villa, currently owe a staggering ₦47.1 billion to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). Switching to solar, he said, would significantly reduce these costs and set a precedent for responsible energy use.
Citing global examples such as the White House in the U.S., remote villages in Kenya, and solar-powered homes in Bangladesh, Abdullahi emphasized that this shift aligns Nigeria with global trends toward renewable energy. He urged Nigerians to view the investment not just as a financial outlay, but as a bold step toward energy equity, job creation, environmental sustainability, and national development.