President Tinubu has expressed his satisfaction with the successful completion of the Vice President’s official residence, a feat that showcases the government’s resolve to deliver on its promises.
Tinubu decried the wastefulness of the previous administration’s approach, which saw projects shelved after substantial funds had been committed, describing it as a gross mismanagement of resources.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, standing in for President Tinubu, declared that the completion of long-abandoned projects like the Vice President’s official residence is a top priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to fruitful governance.
Rather than getting bogged down in the project’s problematic past, the President’s administration elected to take a forward-thinking approach, surmounting numerous obstacles to deliver a successful outcome.
“As we commission this state-of-the-art edifice as the official residence of the Vice President, we are fulfilling a longstanding commitment and reaffirming our unwavering dedication to accountability, transparency, and the efficient utilisation of resources for the betterment of our nation.
“I hold a very strong opinion that abandoning projects after substantial expenditures have been incurred is inherently wasteful, and it is in the best interest of the government and the public to see them through to completion. It is no secret that this project has faced numerous challenges over the years, including delays and abandonment by previous administrations.
“However, rather than dwell on past shortcomings, we have chosen to seize this opportunity to demonstrate our resolve to face challenges head-on and deliver on the promises made to the Nigerian people, in line with our Renewed Hope Agenda, which has the completion of inherited projects as one of its cardinal objectives,” he said.
The President’s remarks also highlighted the project’s significance in upholding the dignity of the presidency, underscoring the importance of respecting the office and its occupant, while paving the way for a more efficient and effective government.
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“The provision of a suitable residence for the Vice President is not merely a matter of convenience, it is a symbol of respect for the office and the individual who occupies it. The completion of this project is a testimony of the respect that the President has for the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“As we celebrate this achievement today, let us also reflect on the broader significance of our efforts. The completion of the Vice President’s residence is not just about building a physical structure, it is about laying a foundation for a more efficient and effective government. It is also about creating an environment where our leaders can focus on the important work of governance without distraction or inconvenience,” he added.
According to Minister Wike, the project was awarded in 2010 at a cost of N7bn, but it was mysteriously abandoned in 2015, leaving many questions unanswered.
Minister Wike explained that the project underwent a significant revision in January 2024, with a new budget of N21bn, ultimately resulting in a state-of-the-art facility worthy of the Vice President’s office.
The Minister vowed to cut ties with Setraco Nigeria Limited, stripping the company of future FCT contracts, after it mysteriously deactivated streetlights along the newly inaugurated Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, a move he deemed unacceptable.
The Minister reported that he had conducted an inspection of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way earlier that morning and discovered that the streetlights had been deactivated. He instructed that Setraco be informed of his displeasure, stating that such actions were intolerable and would result in the termination of all future contracts with the FCT.