Why Shettima Has Yet to Move Into New Presidential Residence

• VP Kashim Shettima has yet to move into his new official residence due to security concerns about the location, despite its completion in June 2024
• The residence, commissioned by President Tinubu, was handed over to the Presidency, but remains unoccupied, with the VP’s spokesperson unavailable for comment

Nearly a year after its completion, Vice President Kashim Shettima has yet to relocate to the new official residence built for Nigeria’s No. 2 citizen. Investigations by Weekend Trust have uncovered possible reasons for the delay.

The official residence, reportedly constructed at a cost of about N15 billion, was commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 7, 2024. Following its completion, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration handed over the building to the Presidency.

When Weekend Trust visited the residence on Friday, January 31, 2025, only a few plainclothes security operatives were seen stationed outside. The surrounding area showed no signs of activity, further reinforcing speculations about the delay.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that security concerns are a major factor preventing Shettima’s relocation. Some pointed to the residence’s location, suggesting it may not be ideal for a high-profile national figure such as the vice president. This concern, they believe, could be a key reason for his hesitation.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation proved unsuccessful. The vice president’s spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, could not be reached for comment.

An official from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), which oversaw the project’s execution, confirmed that all required work had been completed. Speaking anonymously, the official stated that the residence was handed over to the Presidency upon its commissioning last year.

As questions continue to mount, it remains unclear when Vice President Shettima will officially move into his new residence.