In a move that has sparked intense public debate, the Federal Government has allocated a staggering N6.36 billion for the renovation and rehabilitation of the official quarters of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and their aides, according to details from the 2025 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly.
The announcement, which was first shared on the official X handle of Punch Newspaper, highlights the significant financial commitments outlined in the bill for the State House.
A detailed analysis by Sunday PUNCH reveals that N5.49 billion is earmarked for the annual maintenance of the Presidential Villa alone, underscoring the enormous cost of managing Nigeria’s seat of power. Additionally, N51 million is set aside for the renovation of Prescott Barracks, the Maple State House officers’ mess building, and the signal office in Asokoro, Abuja.
Lavish Allocations Amid Struggling Economy
The breakdown of the budget shows that:
N87 million is allocated for honorarium and sitting allowances for the President and Vice President.
N127 million is designated for the procurement of SUVs.
A further N3.66 billion is budgeted for the purchase of State House operational vehicles, while N1.09 billion will go toward replacing SUVs.
The State House Lagos Liaison Office will also receive N14.72 million for routine maintenance of facilities, including Dodan Barracks and the Vice President’s guest houses in Ikoyi. Meanwhile, N140.10 million is allocated for completing the renovation and furnishing of the State House Annex in Lagos.
EFCC Forfeitures Turned Presidential Quarters
In a surprising twist, the Federal Government plans to convert properties forfeited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into State House quarters, with a budget of N1.83 billion.
This development comes just weeks after the EFCC celebrated its largest-ever asset recovery: an estate in the Lokogoma District of Abuja, measuring 150,500 square meters and comprising 753 duplexes and apartments. The estate was forfeited in a December 2, 2024 ruling by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie.
The massive spending proposal has drawn sharp criticism from Nigerians, many of whom are grappling with economic challenges. The lavish allocations come at a time when the country is facing inflation, rising unemployment, and increased poverty levels, raising questions about the government’s priorities.
Critics argue that the funds could have been redirected toward critical sectors such as education, healthcare, or infrastructure development to alleviate the struggles of ordinary citizens. Others have questioned the rationale behind such extravagant spending on luxury items and facilities while the nation contends with dwindling revenues and ballooning debt.
As the 2025 budget proposal undergoes legislative scrutiny, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how lawmakers respond to these controversial expenditures. For many, the approval or rejection of such allocations will be a litmus test of the government’s commitment to fiscal prudence and the well-being of its people.
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