By Faridat Salifu
The federal government has commissioned a one-megawatt solar power plant at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), marking a deeper institutional shift toward renewable energy in public administration.
The solar installation, handed over by the Ministry of Power on Monday in Abuja, is part of a broader federal initiative to power public buildings using solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
The project is expected to substantially reduce the civil service headquarters’ reliance on the national grid and diesel generators, resulting in lower operational expenses and fewer carbon emissions.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mamman Mahmuda, described the plant as a milestone in the federal government’s clean energy transition and energy security agenda.
“This project aligns with the vision of President Bola Tinubu to deliver sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective power to government institutions,” he said.
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He emphasised the critical role of the OHCSF as the administrative heart of government, where uninterrupted power is essential for service continuity and national policy execution.
“Powering this hub with solar energy demonstrates how clean technologies can support efficient governance,” he added.
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, praised the initiative as timely and forward-thinking.
“This solar plant is not just about powering offices—it’s about powering productivity, service delivery, and a sustainable future,” she said, noting that the project reflects the government’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and adopting climate-conscious practices.
Walson-Jack added that the initiative sends a strong signal to other institutions on the viability of clean energy adoption in public infrastructure.
“As the world moves towards renewables to combat climate change, Nigeria is taking deliberate steps to align with global sustainability goals,” she said.
Beyond powering the nation’s civil service nerve centre, the plant is expected to serve as a model for future energy solutions across government buildings—where solar installations could drastically reduce the high cost of fuel and grid electricity, while fostering energy independence and climate resilience.
