The Nigerian Federal Government has approved N1.83 billion in the 2025 budget to transform properties seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, into residential quarters for the State House, Abuja.
This funding forms part of a larger budget focused on renovating and maintaining facilities for the presidency and vice presidency.
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According to the proposed budget, a total of N1,830,783,061 will be spent on acquiring, refurbishing, and converting the forfeited properties.
In addition, N120.28 million is allocated for renovation work at the State House security quarters, while N5.49 billion will go toward the annual maintenance of the presidential villa, demonstrating significant financial investment in the nation’s power center.
Detailed allocations show that N6.39 million is planned for renovations at the president’s quarters, while N49.04 million is earmarked for upgrades to the State House auditorium, gymnasium, and security quarters.
Renovations at the vice president’s quarters and guest house in Abuja will cost N466.86 million and N298.39 million, respectively.
The Lagos Liaison Office of the State House, which includes Dodan Barracks and guest houses in Ikoyi, will receive N14.72 million for routine maintenance.
A further N140.10 million is allocated to complete renovations and furnishing at the State House annex in Lagos.
Overall, N8.42 billion has been budgeted for renovating accommodations for top government officials and State House staff in 2025.
This spending has ignited public debate, with many questioning its appropriateness given Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Critics contend that such significant allocations for renovations appear misaligned with the financial struggles of ordinary citizens.
The EFCC’s asset recovery efforts underpin these plans.
In December 2024, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie ordered the forfeiture of a 150,500-square-meter estate in Abuja, comprising 753 duplexes and apartments.
The property, tied to a former government official under investigation, was deemed to have been acquired unlawfully.
While the Federal Government justifies the budget as necessary to maintain key state facilities, public discourse underscores the ongoing tension between governance priorities and economic realities.
Crediblenewsng.com
