By Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Federal Government has unveiled plans to convert its abandoned secretariat in Ikoyi, Lagos, into luxury apartments.
This initiative is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to revamp disused government buildings across the state into modern complexes for the benefit of Nigerians.
The Ikoyi federal secretariat has remained dormant since the seat of power was relocated from Lagos to Abuja in 1991.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa announced the government’s plan during an inspection of the abandoned secretariat in Lagos on Wednesday.
Dangiwa emphasized that the project would help alleviate the housing deficit in Lagos.
“We will engage with the Lagos State government and Dr. Wale Babalakin to resolve the impasse,” Dangiwa stated. Adding that “Our proposed tripartite agreement will facilitate the redevelopment of the complex.”
The minister also inspected other abandoned government buildings, including the Lagos Field Headquarters’ Office at Tafawa Balewa Square and the 60-bed hostel facility at Onikan.
A Development Lease Agreement (DLA) granted Resort International Limited a 99-year lease to redevelop the complex into 480 luxury apartments.
However, the Lagos State government disrupted the project in 2007, citing concerns over residential usage. The company incurred damages totalling N88 billion due to the breach of the DLA.
Dangiwa revealed that the Federal Government is considering a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, inviting investors to build and recoup their investment before transferring ownership to the government.
The minister assured that professionals would supervise contractors to ensure quality work.
The Renewed Hope housing project in Lagos is expected to deliver 2,000 units within months, with subsequent phases in Kano and Abuja.
