Tinubu, VP’s quarters to gulp N6.36bn in renovation
The Federal Government has proposed a budget of N6.36 billion for the renovation and rehabilitation of residential quarters for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and some of their aides in the 2025 fiscal year.
This allocation is part of the broader 2025 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly, sparking debates about the priorities of the government amidst economic challenges.
Breakdown of Proposed Allocations
The proposed renovation and rehabilitation costs cover various facilities, including the Presidential Villa, Vice President’s quarters, and State House operational areas.
Presidential Villa
The Presidential Villa will require a total of N5.49 billion for annual maintenance. This allocation covers essential upkeep to ensure smooth operations and preserve the facility’s standards.
Vice President’s Quarters
The Vice President’s official quarters and guest house will undergo renovations costing N765 million, aimed at enhancing their functionality and aesthetics.
President’s Quarters
Renovating the President’s official quarters is expected to cost N6.39 million. Additionally, upgrades to other related facilities, including security quarters, an auditorium, a gymnasium, and the residences of presidential aides, will require N49 million.
Prescott Barracks and Abuja Facilities
The budget also earmarks N51 million for renovations at Prescott Barracks, the State House officers’ mess building, and the signal office in Asokoro, Abuja.
Lagos Liaison Office and Dodan Barracks
The State House Lagos Liaison Office has been allocated N14.72 million for routine maintenance of facilities such as Dodan Barracks and the Vice President’s guest houses in Ikoyi. Another N140.10 million will be used for completing renovations and furnishing the State House annex at Dodan Barracks.
Vehicle Procurement and Other Costs
The 2025 budget proposal also includes:
N3.66 billion for purchasing State House operational vehicles.
N1.09 billion for replacing SUV vehicles.
N127 million for procuring new SUVs for official use.
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N87 million for honorarium and sitting allowances for the President and Vice President.
Conversion of Forfeited Properties
An innovative element of the budget is the plan to convert properties forfeited to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into State House quarters, with an allocation of N1.83 billion.
This comes after the EFCC’s landmark recovery of an estate in the Lokogoma District of Abuja. The estate, measuring 150,500 square metres, contains 753 duplexes and apartments. The property, described as the EFCC’s “largest single asset recovery” since its establishment in 2003, was forfeited following a court ruling by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on December 2, 2024.
The proposed budgetary allocations have drawn criticism from various quarters, with many questioning the prioritisation of such large expenditures amidst the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
Critics argue that the funds could be better channelled towards addressing pressing issues such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. However, government officials maintain that the renovations and conversions are necessary for operational efficiency and the strategic use of recovered properties.
The 2025 budget proposal reflects the Federal Government’s plan to invest in critical assets while exploring innovative ways to utilise forfeited properties. Nevertheless, the significant costs associated with these projects continue to raise questions about governance priorities in an economically challenging period. _PUNCH_
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