Abandoning projects after expenditure wasteful, says Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has commended the completion of the Vice President’s official residence.
Tinubu who lamented that the previous administration abandoned the project, said abandoning projects after “substantial expenditures” was wasteful.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the statement during his address at the inauguration of the completed residence on Thursday, where he noted that the completion of abandoned projects was a cardinal objective of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stated that the project had faced numerous challenges, noting however that his administration chose rather to complete the project than dwell on the shortcomings of the past
“As we commission this state-of-the-art edifice as the official residence of the Vice President, we are fulfilling a longstanding commitment and reaffirming our unwavering dedication to accountability, transparency, and the efficient utilisation of resources for the betterment of our nation.
“I hold a very strong opinion that abandoning projects after substantial expenditures have been incurred is inherently wasteful, and it is in the best interest of the government and the public to see them through to completion. It is no secret that this project has faced numerous challenges over the years, including delays and abandonment by previous administrations.
“However, rather than dwell on past shortcomings, we have chosen to seize this opportunity to demonstrate our resolve to face challenges head-on and deliver on the promises made to the Nigerian people, in line with our Renewed Hope Agenda, which has the completion of inherited projects as one of its cardinal objectives,” he said.
He further stated that the completion of the project symbolised respect for the office of the President and the individual who occupied the office, adding that the project was also about laying a foundation for more efficient and effective government.
“The provision of a suitable residence for the Vice President is not merely a matter of convenience, it is a symbol of respect for the office and the individual who occupies it. The completion of this project is a testimony of the respect that the President has for the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“As we celebrate this achievement today, let us also reflect on the broader significance of our efforts. 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 or inconvenience,” he added.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike disclosed that the project was awarded in 2010 at the cost of N7bn but was abandoned in 2015.
Wike said the project was, however, reviewed in January 2024 for N21bn and was completed to provide the VP with a befitting experiment to carry out his duties.
He threatened not to give contracts from the FCT to Setraco Nigeria Limited anymore, for putting off the streetlights on the recently inaugurated Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, stating that he would not accept it.
“This morning, I was going around the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way. ES go and tell Setraco that they put off the streetlights that way. Tell them that it is unacceptable to us. If that happens again, they won’t get any job as far as FCT is concerned,” he said.
