February 4, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government of Nigeria is facing public scrutiny and political backlash over the award of a ₦569 million renovation contract for the official residential quarters of Vice President Kashim Shettima, a development that has stirred debate over government spending priorities amid economic hardship and service delivery challenges.
According to disclosures on Wednesday, the Office of the Vice President authorised the reconstruction and upgrading of the vice-presidential residence in Abuja, a project funded from the Federal Government’s capital expenditure budget. Critics have raised concerns over the timing and scale of the expenditure, arguing that it comes at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with rising inflation, stagnant wages, and underfunded public services.
The renovation, which reportedly covers structural repairs, interior upgrades, and security enhancements, was approved as part of broader refurbishment directives for government officials’ residences. While the presidency has described the project as necessary to ensure that official quarters meet “appropriate standards” for state hospitality and security requirements, opponents contend that such funds could have been better allocated to healthcare, education or infrastructure in underserved communities.
Public reactions to the revelation were swift and widespread on social media, with commentators highlighting what they see as disconnected spending choices by high-level officials. Many Nigerians noted the contrast between lavish refurbishment expenses and the challenges ordinary citizens face in meeting basic needs, including food, housing, and access to essential services.
Opposition politicians and civil society advocates have seized on the issue as a rallying point to criticise the government’s fiscal priorities. Some lawmakers called for transparency on how government housing renovations are justified within the federal budget, and for greater accountability in fiscal planning and execution.
In a formal response to questions about the expenditure, a spokesperson for the Office of the Vice President defended the renovation outlay, saying that upkeep of the official residence is a routine executive responsibility, and that such projects are subject to procurement rules and audit processes established by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Audit Service of Nigeria. However, the spokesperson did not provide a breakdown of costs or projected timelines for the completion of the renovation works.
Economists and policy analysts responded to the controversy by emphasising the importance of perception in public finance. They argued that government expenditures amid economic pressures must be carefully communicated and aligned with visible service delivery to maintain public trust. A senior economic commentator observed that “even necessary government spending can evoke resentment when citizens are struggling to make ends meet.”
For now, the dispute over the vice-presidential quarters’ renovation underscores persistent tensions in Nigeria over governance priorities, fiscal transparency, and the balancing of official requirements with the public’s expectations for social and economic investment. As the national conversation continues, lawmakers and watchdog groups are expected to pursue further inquiries into how executive residences are funded and managed across government tiers.