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The Resource Center for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its failure to address Nigeria’s worsening energy crisis, calling for urgent reforms to alleviate the nation’s chronic power shortages.
According to a statement signed by Dr. Zikirullahi M. Ibrahim, Executive Director of CHRICED, the administration has failed to deliver on its 2023 campaign promises to expand rural electrification and promote renewable energy solutions. He stated that “millions of Nigerians remain trapped in darkness, forced to rely on expensive alternatives while the government prioritizes wasteful spending.”
N10 Billion Solar Project for Aso Villa Called “Insensitive”
Zikirullahi added that the approval of ₦10 billion for a 40 MW solar power plant exclusively for Aso Villa is a clear misplacement of priorities. “At a time when ordinary citizens struggle with daily blackouts, spending billions to power the Presidential Villa is not only wasteful but deeply insensitive,” he stated.
He further noted that the government’s lack of confidence in its own power sector reforms is evident, as the State House still budgeted ₦311.09 million for electricity bills and ₦1.99 billion for diesel in 2025—despite the supposed solar initiative. “This reckless expenditure exposes a disturbing disconnect from the suffering of Nigerians,” he said.
Frequent Grid Collapses and Broken Promises
According to Zikirullahi, the persistent collapse of the national electricity grid underscores the failure of the Minister of Power to deliver results. “Despite massive investments, Nigeria still generates less than 4,000 MW—far below the government’s own 6,000 MW target,” he stated.
He added that the recent hike in electricity tariffs has worsened the situation, forcing businesses to shut down or lay off workers. “Even those paying for Band A tariffs still endure blackouts whenever the grid fails, proving that this model is unsustainable,” he emphasized.
Tinubu’s Own Admission of Failure
Zikirullahi pointed out that President Tinubu himself acknowledged the crisis, admitting that the government is burdened by unpaid electricity debts while still relying on diesel generators. “The fact that electricity generating companies are owed ₦4 trillion by government agencies confirms that the system is broken,” he stated.
CHRICED’s Demands for Immediate Action
In the statement, Zikirullahi outlined the following recommendations:
- Redirect the ₦10 billion Aso Villa solar project to fund renewable energy solutions for rural communities and small businesses.
- Sack the Minister of Power for incompetence in preventing grid collapses despite huge investments.
- Reverse the electricity tariff hike to ease the burden on struggling Nigerians.
- Declare a National Solarization Policy, removing import tariffs on solar equipment and providing interest-free loans for installations.
He stated that these measures would reduce pressure on the national grid, allowing limited power to be allocated more efficiently to industries and high-demand users.
“The Tinubu administration must act now,” Zikirullahi added, warning that continued inaction would deepen Nigeria’s energy crisis and economic hardship.
