Tinubu, Shettima’s Official Quarters Set for ₦6.36bn Renovation

The Nigerian government has allocated ₦6.36 billion for the renovation of official quarters for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, sparking public debate over the cost amid economic challenges.

The Federal Government has designated N6,364,181,224 billion in the 2025 budget proposal for renovating and rehabilitating the residential quarters of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and some of their aides.

Analysis of the proposed allocation in the 2025 Appropriation Bill, submitted to the National Assembly, revealed that N5.49 billion is earmarked for the annual upkeep of the Presidential Villa.

As per the proposed budget, N765 million is allocated for renovating the Vice President’s residence and guest house.

Renovating the president’s quarters at the State House is projected to cost N6.39 million, whereas refurbishing the security quarters, auditorium, gymnasium, and residential areas for presidential aides will amount to N49 million.

Furthermore, the renovation of Prescott Barracks at Maple State House Officers’ Mess Building and Signal Office in Asokoro, Abuja is estimated to cost N51 million.

Additional examination of the budget disclosed that Tinubu and his vice are projected to receive N87 million for honorarium and sitting allowances, with another N127 million designated for purchasing SUVs.

READ ALSO: Northern Leaders, Not Tinubu, Responsible for Region’s Challenges – Ex-Speaker Dogara

Additionally, N3.66 billion has been allocated for the purchase of operational vehicles for the State House, and N1.09 billion will be used to replace SUV vehicles at the State House.

Within the budget for the State House Lagos Liaison Office, N14.72 million has been allocated for the regular upkeep of facilities at State House Lagos, including Dodan Barracks and Vice President guest houses in Ikoyi.

An additional N140.10 million was designated for finishing the renovation and furnishing of the State House annex (Dodan Barracks) in Lagos.

In the meantime, the Federal Government is planning to allocate N1.83 billion for transforming properties seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission into State House residences.

The EFCC’s initiative to repurpose confiscated houses coincides with the commission’s announcement of recovering an estate in Abuja’s Lokogoma District. This estate spans 150,500 square meters and includes 753 duplexes and other apartments.

The commission referred to this as its “largest single asset recovery” since it was established in 2003.

The estate is located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09 of the district. It was forfeited following a ruling by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on Monday, December 2, 2024.