Questions Trail Multi-Billion Naira VP Residence as Shettima Yet to Move In More Than Two Years After Commissioning

More than two years after its commissioning, Nigeria’s official Vice Presidential residence in Abuja remains unoccupied, raising fresh questions about public spending and the necessity of the multi-billion-naira project.

The residence, located in the prestigious Three Arms Zone of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was completed under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at a reported cost running into billions of naira. Despite its completion, Vice President Kashim Shettima is yet to relocate to the facility.

Recent reports and images circulating online suggest that the sprawling complex remains largely inactive, with only a handful of security personnel reportedly stationed at the premises and no visible signs of residential activity.

A Project More Than a Decade in the Making

The Vice Presidential residence has a long and controversial history dating back to 2010 when the contract was first awarded during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Initially valued at approximately ₦7 billion, the project was intended to serve as the official residence of then Vice President Namadi Sambo. However, construction delays and funding challenges prevented its completion before the end of the administration.

By 2012, reports indicated that the structure had substantially progressed, but additional funding requests for furnishing, fencing, and the construction of supporting facilities reportedly generated controversy within the National Assembly.

When former President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office in 2015, his administration classified the project as a lower priority. Consequently, then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo continued to operate from the Akinola Aguda House, which remained the official residence of the vice president throughout Buhari’s eight-year tenure.

Fresh Funding Sparks Debate

The project returned to public attention in late 2023 when the Federal Government approved fresh funding for the completion and renovation of the residence.

The decision attracted widespread criticism from Nigerians who questioned the timing of such expenditure amid economic challenges, rising inflation, and increasing hardship across the country.

Despite the controversy, work on the project continued under the supervision of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and was eventually completed and commissioned in 2024.

However, the continued absence of the vice president from the facility has reignited public debate over the value and purpose of the project.

Social Commentator Criticises Unoccupied Residence

The issue gained renewed attention after social commentator Obiasogu David criticised the situation on social media.

In a post on X, he questioned why a residence that reportedly consumed billions of naira in public funds remained unoccupied years after completion.

According to him, the development highlights concerns about government priorities at a time when millions of Nigerians are battling poverty and economic hardship.

He argued that maintaining multiple luxury government residences places an additional burden on public finances, particularly when one of the facilities is not being utilised.

Growing Public Concern Over Government Spending

The controversy comes amid broader national conversations about fiscal discipline and the management of public resources.

Nigeria continues to grapple with economic pressures, including inflation, unemployment, rising living costs, and widespread poverty affecting millions of citizens.

Critics argue that government spending should be directed more aggressively toward infrastructure, healthcare, education, security, and social welfare programmes rather than costly official residences.

Supporters of the project, however, maintain that the Vice Presidential residence is a strategic national asset designed to serve successive administrations and provide appropriate accommodation for the country’s second-highest-ranking public official.

No Official Explanation Yet

As of the time of this report, there has been no official explanation from the Presidency regarding why Vice President Kashim Shettima has not moved into the residence.

It also remains unclear whether logistical, security, administrative, or personal considerations are responsible for the delay.

Until a formal clarification is provided, questions are likely to persist over the future of the facility and whether the substantial investment made by the government will ultimately achieve its intended purpose.

The situation continues to fuel public discourse on accountability, government expenditure, and the prudent use of national resources at a time of economic uncertainty.