By Opeyemi Adelakun
Nearly two years after the completion and commissioning of a purpose-built official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima, the multi-billion-naira facility in Abuja remains unused for its intended residential purpose.
The residence, located in the Three Arms Zone, was commissioned by President Bola Tinubu on June 7, 2024, following its completion under the Federal Capital Territory Administration led by Minister Nyesom Wike.
Despite the commissioning, Shettima has continued to reside at Akinola Aguda House within the Presidential Complex, which has traditionally served as the official residence of Nigeria’s vice presidents.
The project was originally awarded in 2010 at an estimated cost of N7 billion but was left incomplete for years before being revived and completed. At the 2024 commissioning, the project cost was reported at about N21 billion.
The continued non-occupation has raised questions over the status and utilisation of the facility, particularly given the amount spent on a project specifically intended to provide an official residence for the vice president.
Reports have previously cited security concerns as a possible reason for Shettima’s failure to relocate. However, no detailed public explanation from the Presidency has identified the specific security, structural or operational issues preventing occupation.
The FactCheckHub, which visited the facility in June 2025, reported seeing only a few security personnel from a distance and no obvious residential activity at the premises. It also established that Shettima remained at Akinola Aguda House.
CCTV claim debunked
The controversy surrounding the residence was further fuelled by social media claims that Shettima had moved into the new building but later left after allegedly discovering secretly installed CCTV cameras.
That claim has, however, been debunked.
The FactCheckHub found no credible evidence that Shettima ever occupied the new residence before leaving it because of surveillance equipment. His spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, also dismissed the claim, saying the vice president continued to live at his official residence in Akinola Aguda House.
The CCTV allegation therefore does not explain why the newly completed residence remains without its intended occupant.
Project spans several administrations
The residence dates back to the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, when construction commenced in 2010.
The project subsequently passed through successive administrations before the FCT Administration under Wike revived and completed it.
At the time of its commissioning, the project was described as an example of the government’s effort to complete inherited infrastructure rather than leave previously committed public funds tied up in abandoned projects.
The project’s reported cost has also attracted attention. While the original contract was reportedly valued at N7 billion, the figure eventually rose substantially, with the completed project put at about N21 billion in reports surrounding its commissioning.
With the facility still not serving as the vice president’s residence, questions remain over whether additional security assessments, modifications, certification or other operational requirements are outstanding.
There are also questions about the ongoing cost of securing and maintaining a multi-billion-naira government facility that has yet to be occupied for its primary purpose.
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