On Friday, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the N21 billion official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima, amid widespread economic hardship. The National Assembly had approved an additional N15 billion last November, bringing the total project cost to N21 billion.

The project has faced criticism due to the country's economic conditions. Workers are currently negotiating a new national minimum wage with the government, with an ongoing impasse as unions have rejected the government's N60,000 offer, a 100% increase from the current N30,000. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) recently halted economic activities for 48 hours over the wage dispute.

At the commissioning, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike explained the high cost, stating that the project was initially awarded in 2010 for N7 billion but was abandoned in 2015. It was not until January 2024 that the budget was revised to N21 billion. Wike highlighted that Tinubu ensured the project's completion within a year, calling it a symbol of "renewed hope."

Wike further detailed that the president directed him to complete the project to prevent the area from being overtaken by criminals.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the event, emphasized his administration’s commitment to finishing inherited projects. He stated that completing such projects demonstrates accountability, transparency, and efficient resource utilization. Tinubu expressed that abandoning projects after significant expenditure is wasteful and that completing them is in the best interest of the government and public.

He underscored the residence's significance, noting that it symbolizes respect for the office of the vice president and the individual holding it. Tinubu added that this completion reflects the administration's determination to overcome obstacles and fulfill promises made to the Nigerian people, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes completing inherited projects.