Tinubu Opens New Lagos Governor’s Lodge in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the rebuilt Lagos Governors’ Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, on Tuesday. He said public assets must last longer than individual leaders.

Tinubu, who was represented by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, urged political leaders to take care of public infrastructure. He emphasized that this is for the benefit of future generations.

He pointed out that good governance should be judged by the quality of infrastructure and institutions left for the people.

As a former Lagos State governor, Tinubu noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub, deserves infrastructure that matches its status and ambitions. He praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for completing the lodge, calling it proof of the state’s commitment to quality and responsible management of public assets.

Tinubu said public properties are for the people. He stressed that leaders must take care of what has been given to them and improve it when needed. He wants to see lasting infrastructure that future generations can use.

“Public assets belong to the people, and it is our responsibility as leaders to preserve what has been entrusted to us, improve it where necessary, and provide lasting infrastructure that future generations can inherit and benefit from,” he said.

He added that finishing the project on time shows the Lagos State Government’s dedication and the hard work of all who were involved.

The president recalled that the old lodge was taken down in October 2025 to make way for the new building. He said it is a fitting official residence for the Lagos governor and his family in Abuja.

He hoped the lodge would be a place of peace, comfort, and hospitality for future administrations and their families.

Governor Sanwo-Olu called the lodge’s inauguration a historic achievement. He explained that the lodge was designed to be a center for government business and strategic interactions with the Federal Government.

He noted that Lagos still has important economic and political ties to Abuja, even after Nigeria’s capital moved to Abuja in December 1991.

Sanwo-Olu mentioned that past governors often travel to Abuja for National Economic Council and Council of State meetings, and to meet with ministers, lawmakers, diplomats, governors, and investors.

He said the old lodge served the state for many years but did not fit Lagos’ current status and growing responsibilities.

He revealed that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc led the reconstruction project, which started in July 2025 and finished in September 2026.

The governor praised the construction company for completing the project on time despite facing challenges, such as digging work almost 10 meters deep.

He said the lodge belongs to the people of Lagos and will provide the right setting for official functions, hospitality, and promoting the state’s interests.

Sanwo-Olu, who plans to leave office in May 2027, said the lodge is meant for future administrations. He stressed that governments should focus on leaving lasting legacies.

“I believe a government should build things, not stay long for itself to enjoy,” he said.

Earlier, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, who aims to succeed Sanwo-Olu, called the rebuilt lodge a renewed presence of Lagos in Abuja. He described it as a smart investment in government work, hospitality, and official engagements. Hamzat is the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the upcoming 2027 election.

In his briefing, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc’s Managing Director, Peer Lubasch, stated that the facility covers about 2,700 square meters. It includes the main residence, guest house, and utility building.

He explained that the project included several subsidiaries of the Julius Berger Group, with PrimeTech in charge of designs, while others supplied windows, façade parts, and furniture.

The commissioning drew former Lagos governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, state officials, business leaders, and other important guests.