Vice president Shettima praises Wike for completing his abandoned multi billion residential house in Aso Rock

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian government to the principles of accountability, transparency, and good governance.

He remarked on Friday, at the inauguration of the new official residence of the Vice President of Nigeria.

The President spoke through Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented him at the historical occasion.

Moreover, President Tinubu used the occasion to assure Nigerians that government will continue to prioritise their well-being as well as build a nation they can all be proud of.

He said: “I want to use this opportunity to reaffirm my administration’s unwavering commitment to the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance.

“We will continue to prioritise the needs of the Nigerian people above all ills and work tirelessly to build a nation that we can all be proud of.”

President Tinubu added that the completion of the Vice President’s official residence represents the government’s respect for those in leadership positions.

“As we commission this state of the art edifice as the official residence of the Vice President, we are fulfilling a long standing commitment and reaffirming our unwavering dedication to accountability, transparency and the efficient utilization of resources for the betterment of our nation.

“This is a reflection of our commitment to providing our leaders with the tools and resources they need to effectively discharge their duties and serve the Nigerian people with integrity and dedication. 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 and inconvenience,” the President stated.

President Tinubu singled out the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike for praise, having completed nine landmark projects, inaugurated in the last one week.

“Once again we are here to commission another landmark project executed by the one and only Nyesom Wike. I am truly delighted to be here today for the commissioning of the official residence of the Vice President. This is the 9th in the series of projects completed by the FCT administration under the dynamic and focused leadership Nyesome Wike.

“The actions of the FCT Minister and his dedication to duty are indeed remarkable and he stands as a shining example of what a public officer should be,” said the President.

Earlier in his remarks, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, disclosed that the contract for the Vice President’s residence was first awarded in 2010, at a cost of N7 billion.

He added that the contract was later abandoned in 2015 in its determination to complete the edifice; the current leadership of the FCT in January 2024 sought for and obtained approval for a review of the contract to the sum of N22 billion, leading to its completion 14 years after commencement of the project.

The new residence of the Vice President, located adjacent to the office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, has an office for the Wife of the Vice President, a mosque, chapel and recreational facilities among other facilities.