Nearly two years after the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) completed and handed over the official residence built for Vice President Kashim Shettima, he has yet to relocate to the facility.
The residence, located in Abuja’s Three Arms Zone, was commissioned by President Bola Tinubu on June 7, 2024. The project was originally awarded in 2010 at a cost of N7 billion but was abandoned for several years before being revived and completed under the administration of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The final cost has been reported at about N21 billion, although figures have varied depending on whether the original contract and subsequent expenditures are included.
Despite the commissioning, Shettima has continued to use the Akinola Aguda House within the Presidential Complex as his official residence.
Reports suggest that security concerns may be among the reasons for the delay in his relocation. However, the Presidency has not publicly provided a detailed explanation of the specific concerns preventing the Vice President from occupying the building.
The continued non-use of the residence has raised questions about the utilisation and maintenance of a facility that reportedly cost billions of naira to complete.
Social media claims that Shettima had previously moved into the residence before leaving after allegedly discovering hidden CCTV cameras have also circulated. However, there is no credible evidence that he ever occupied the facility or left because of surveillance equipment. His spokesman previously dismissed the claim, saying the Vice President remained at Akinola Aguda House.
The residence was initiated during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and passed through several administrations before its completion under Wike.
Questions remain over whether the facility has undergone all required security assessments, whether it has been formally certified for residential use, whether additional modifications are needed and why the Vice President continues to reside elsewhere.
The Presidency is yet to issue a comprehensive public explanation for the prolonged delay in Shettima’s relocation.
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