The continued non-occupation of the Abuja facility has raised questions about its utilisation, security arrangements and maintenance costs.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reportedly not relocated to his official residence in Abuja, more than two years after President Bola Tinubu commissioned the facility.

The residence, located in the Three Arms Zone, was commissioned on June 7, 2024, after the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), led by Minister Nyesom Wike, completed the project.

Shettima reportedly continues to use Akinola Aguda House within the Presidential Complex as his official residence.

Project Cost Raises Questions

The project was initially awarded in 2010 at an estimated cost of N7 billion but remained incomplete across successive administrations.

Reports have placed the final cost at approximately N21 billion, although published figures differ depending on whether the original contract and subsequent expenditure are included.

At the commissioning, President Tinubu described the completion of inherited projects as part of efforts to prevent the waste of public resources.

However, the continued non-occupation of the facility has prompted questions about whether additional security, structural or operational requirements remain outstanding.

Security Concerns Remain Unexplained

Security concerns have reportedly been linked to the delay in Shettima’s relocation.

However, the Presidency has not publicly provided a detailed explanation identifying the specific security issues allegedly preventing the vice president from moving into the residence.

Social media claims that Shettima previously occupied the facility and left after allegedly discovering hidden closed-circuit television cameras have not been supported by credible evidence.

A spokesperson for the vice president previously dismissed the claim, maintaining that Shettima remained at Akinola Aguda House.

Calls for Clarification

The continued non-use of the residence has raised questions about its security, certification, maintenance and readiness for residential occupation.

Other issues requiring clarification include whether the facility has undergone all necessary security assessments, whether additional modifications are needed and why the vice president continues to reside elsewhere.

Questions have also emerged about the ongoing cost of securing and maintaining a facility that has reportedly not been used for its intended purpose.

The FCTA had previously indicated that its responsibility for the project ended after completion and handover.

The Presidency is yet to issue a comprehensive public explanation for the delay in Shettima’s relocation.

The residence’s non-occupation continues to attract public scrutiny, particularly given the substantial public expenditure associated with its completion.

The post Shettima Yet to Move Into N21bn Official Residence Two Years After Commissioning appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the construction of houses for judges and justices in Abuja, insisting that the projects would not compromise the independence of the judiciary.

Wike made the remarks on Friday after inspecting ongoing judicial infrastructure projects, including judges’ residences, the Court of Appeal Abuja Division, and proposed housing projects for judges of the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The minister was reacting to concerns reportedly raised by the Nigerian Bar Association over executive involvement in providing infrastructure for the judiciary.

Dismissing the criticisms, Wike argued that government provision of facilities for judicial officers was not new and should not be interpreted as interference with the judiciary.

“The mere fact that the executive constructs buildings does not mean it will interfere with the judiciary,” he said.

“We have built public houses for the National Assembly and for the judiciary before. The Supreme Court was built by the government. So there is nothing new in this.”

Wike also accused the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association of inconsistency, alleging that the association often seeks financial support from state governments for its conferences and activities while criticising government interventions in the judiciary.

“All they are interested in is when state governments will sponsor NBA activities. If governments fund their conferences, does that mean they are no longer independent?” he queried.

The minister maintained that the FCT Administration would continue implementing projects aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of judges and justices across the country.

“This is a voluntary act by government to make judicial officers comfortable and focused on their work. It is not done to erode judicial independence,” he added.

Wike explained that the judicial projects form part of activities lined up to commemorate President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the judges’ quarters project, describing the development as well executed and almost ready for inauguration.

“We’ve seen the judges’ quarters beautiful. I’m very elated that the job was done well. The houses are well furnished and almost 99 per cent ready,” he stated.

The minister further disclosed that preparations had commenced for the groundbreaking ceremony of residential projects for judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

However, Wike expressed dissatisfaction with some aspects of the finishing work at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division project despite its advanced stage of completion.

“Almost 90 per cent complete, but I must say it’s not the quality I expected. I have told the contractor that several errors must be corrected before inauguration,” he said.

He assured that the administration would continue monitoring contractors to ensure projects are delivered according to approved specifications and timelines.

“All the promises that have been made, we are going to fulfil them. That is why we are going around to inspect and ensure contractors are ready,” the minister added.

The post Wike Defends Judges’ Housing Projects, Rejects Fears Over Judicial Independence appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , has pledged that the will provide critical infrastructure to accelerate development in the newly opened Waru-Pozema District in Abuja.

Wike gave the assurance on Thursday after inspecting several ongoing infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory, noting that the government is committed to making the district attractive for residents and real estate developers.

Infrastructure Planned for New Abuja District

The minister explained that the new district, located in Cadastral Zone D16, would receive essential infrastructure such as road networks and public services to enable rapid development.

According to Wike, consultations will be held with the to determine whether the infrastructure plans have already been captured in the 2026 FCT budget.

“Don’t worry, we will do everything we can to provide the needed infrastructure and open up the district so that people can move in,” he said.

Judicial Projects Near Completion

During the inspection tour, Wike also visited several judicial infrastructure projects and expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction.

He revealed that contractors handling the Court of Appeal complex have assured the administration that the project will be completed by May 2026.

The minister added that judges’ residential quarters have already been furnished ahead of their official commissioning.

The housing project includes:

• 10 duplexes for the Federal High Court
• 20 duplexes for the FCT High Court
• 10 duplexes for the Court of Appeal

The facilities are expected to be commissioned as part of activities marking the third anniversary of President ’s administration.

Road Construction Progress in Katampe

Wike also inspected a major road project in the , describing it as a critical route that functions like a ring road within the district.

He commended the contractor, , for the quality and speed of the construction work.

“It’s one of those companies—when they give you their word, you can go to the bank with it,” Wike said.

Call for Unity in PDP

Speaking on national politics, the former governor urged members of the to prioritise reconciliation ahead of discussions about future elections.

He expressed optimism that the party can remain competitive if members approach internal reconciliation with sincerity.

The post Wike Promises Roads, Infrastructure to Fast-Track Development in Abuja’s Waru-Pozema District appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike will on Thursday, September 18, 2025, flag off the construction of 12 new roads and install solar-powered streetlights across major parts of Abuja under the Light Up Abuja programme.

Announcing the development, his media aide, Lere Olayinka, said:

“The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, will this week, Thursday, commence the flagging-off of construction of 12 new roads and provision of solar lights in some major areas in the Federal Capital City (FCC) and Expressways under the Light Up Abuja Programme. The Minister will also commission the access roads in Sector Centre B, by Dakibiyu District, and the newly constructed Roads ILS 11 (Esther Bali Street) and MAR 24 (Kez Udezue Street) in Mabushi District.”

Olayinka added that the flag-offs will run until October 16 and will deliver hybrid solar lighting to Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, Garki, Katampe, Jabi, Gudu, the Central Business District, and the Airport Expressway.

“The projects also include the construction of access roads to the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates project site in Karsana West, provision of access road bypassing Airport Second Runway from Bill Clinton Drive to Tunga Madaki Settlement with a four-span bridge, rehabilitation of the 15km Old Keffi Road from Kado Village to Dei-Dei Junction, and provision of engineering infrastructure to outstanding layouts within Guzape,” he said.

Residences for the heads of key courts will also be constructed. Wike has recently launched water expansion projects in Bwari and Karu, a sports centre in Kafe District, a Magistrate Court in Jabi, and the reconstruction of Karu Road.

The post Wike To Flag Off 12 New Road Projects, Commissions 2 In Abuja appeared first on Housing TV Africa.