A review of Nigeria’s proposed 2025 budget has revealed that 44 government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) are set to spend a staggering N14.205 billion on fuelling generators and plants next year. This comes as the country continues to grapple with electricity supply challenges, highlighted by 12 grid failures in 2024.

The State House headquarters, home to the seat of the Presidency, has earmarked N1.989 billion for this purpose. Similarly, the Ministry of Defence headquarters has allocated N250 million, while the Nigerian Army plans to spend N3.897 billion—the highest budget for generator fuel among the MDAs.

Other notable allocations include:

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC): N1.195 billion

Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC): N2.5 billion

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (headquarters): N567 million

Directorate of Security Services: N212 million

National Intelligence Agency: N167 million

Institutions such as the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and the Bureau of Public Enterprises also budgeted N14.007 million and N36.2 million, respectively, for generator fuel.

In the education and security sectors, the Nigerian Defence Academy plans to spend N399.5 million, while the Admiralty University of Nigeria, Delta State, has budgeted N90 million.

Implications of the Allocations

These allocations raise concerns, given the persistent power outages and unreliable electricity grid in Nigeria. The country’s energy crisis has forced MDAs to rely heavily on diesel and petrol-powered generators to sustain operations.

Critics argue that such massive expenditure on generator fuel reflects deeper inefficiencies within the power sector. Despite the government’s ongoing reforms and investments in electricity infrastructure, many Nigerians still endure poor power supply, which stifles economic growth and increases the cost of living.

A Call for Sustainable Solutions

With Nigeria’s reliance on generators costing billions annually, stakeholders are calling for increased investment in renewable energy and better management of the national grid. Addressing the energy deficit is crucial to reduce government spending on alternative power sources and to provide citizens with reliable electricity.

As the proposed 2025 budget is debated, the government faces mounting pressure to prioritize sustainable energy solutions to end the nation’s dependence on costly and environmentally harmful generators.