Federal Government Budgets N1.83 Billion to Return Properties Seized by EFCC to State House Quarters
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The Federal Government has proposed to spend N1.83 billion in the 2025 budget to return properties confiscated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the State House Quarters in Abuja.
According to the proposed 2025 budget, an allocation of N1,830,783,061 has been made for the acquisition, renovation and rehabilitation of these confiscated properties to serve as residential quarters for the State House.
The budget also includes N120.28 million for renovation works on the security quarters of the State House.
5.49 Billion Naira for Maintenance of Presidential Villa
New reporters also observed that N5.49 billion was allocated for the annual maintenance of the Presidential Villa, highlighting the significant resources allocated to the maintenance of the country's seat of power.
Also, under the President's Budget section, N6.39 million was allocated for the renovation of the President's quarters at the State House in Abuja. N49.04 million was allocated for the renovation of various facilities, including the security facility, State House auditorium, gymnasium and presidential aides' quarters located along Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Asokoro, Abuja. For the Vice President, the budget allocates N466.86 million for the renovation of the Vice President's official quarters at State House, Abuja. In addition, N298.39 million was allocated for the renovation of the Vice President's guest residence in Asokoro, reflecting significant investment in these facilities. The State House Counsel's Office in Lagos is also included in the budget, with N14.72 million allocated for the routine maintenance of its facilities. These include the Dodan Barracks and the Vice President's Guest Residences in Ikoyi. Also, N140.10 million has been allocated for the completion of the renovation and furnishing of the State House Annex located at Dodan Barracks, Lagos. An analysis of the proposed budget reveals that no less than N8.42 billion will be spent on the renovation of the residences of the President, Vice President, their aides and other staff of the State House by 2025. This substantial allocation for renovations and maintenance comes amid ongoing public debate on government spending priorities, especially as the country faces economic challenges.
News reporters previously reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved its biggest asset recovery with the final seizure of a 150,500 square meter property in Abuja containing 753 duplexes and other apartments.
The commission's statement on its official website X disclosed that the property is linked to a former senior government official who is currently under investigation by the EFCC. The judgment, delivered by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on December 2, 2024, follows a successful application for the permanent forfeiture of the property, located at Plot 109 in Cadastral Area C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja. Justice Onwuegbuzie found that the defendant failed to justify the retention of the property, which was allegedly acquired through illegal activities. The seizure was carried out as part of the commission's mandate to ensure that those involved in corruption and fraudulent activities are deprived of the proceeds of their crimes. The decision was based on Section 17 of the Fraud and Other Offences Act No. 14 of 2006 and Article 44(2) B of the 1999 Constitution.
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