The Federal Government of Nigeria has made a notable provision of ₦6.36 billion in the proposed 2025 budget, which has been allocated for the refurbishment, renovation, and maintenance of residential accommodations for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and their aides. This allocation underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the functionality and upkeep of these official residences.
According to details outlined in the 2025 Appropriation Bill submitted to the National Assembly, ₦5.49 billion has been specifically earmarked for the annual upkeep of the Presidential Villa, a key administrative and residential hub for the President and other officials. Furthermore, ₦765 million is set aside for the extensive renovation of the Vice President’s official residence and guest house, while an additional ₦6.39 million has been allocated for refurbishing the President’s quarters within the State House premises.
In addition to these allocations, ₦49 million is budgeted for the renovation of auxiliary facilities, including the security quarters, auditorium, gymnasium, and residences for aides. Further enhancements include ₦51 million earmarked for upgrades to critical infrastructure, such as the Prescott Barracks, the officers’ mess, and the signal office, all situated in the Asokoro district of Abuja.
Moreover, the budget outlines ₦87 million dedicated to honorarium and sitting allowances for the President and Vice President, reflecting the administrative responsibilities they bear. ₦127 million is allocated for the acquisition of sport utility vehicles (SUVs), complemented by an additional ₦3.66 billion designated for procuring operational vehicles for the State House fleet. Among these, ₦1.09 billion is specifically reserved for replacing aging SUV vehicles.
The State House Lagos Liaison Office is not left out, as ₦14.72 million is budgeted for routine maintenance. This allocation covers facilities such as Dodan Barracks and the Vice President’s guest houses located in Ikoyi. Additionally, ₦140.10 million has been allocated for the completion of renovations and furnishing of the State House annexe situated at Dodan Barracks.
Another noteworthy aspect of the proposed budget is the allocation of ₦1.83 billion for the conversion of properties forfeited to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into residential quarters for the State House. Recently, the EFCC announced the recovery of a massive estate located in the Lokogoma District of Abuja, which is expected to play a pivotal role in fulfilling this initiative.
This estate spans an impressive 150,500 square meters and comprises 753 duplexes and residential units, marking it as the EFCC’s largest asset recovery since its inception in 2003. This significant property was forfeited to the Federal Government following a landmark ruling by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on December 2, 2024.
Overall, the allocations in the 2025 budget reflect the Federal Government's intention to enhance the functionality, security, and sustainability of its official residences and administrative facilities, while also optimizing the use of recovered assets for public purposes.
