Eko Hot Blog reports that the Federal Government has commenced renovations on Dodan Barracks, Nigeria’s former seat of power, with the objective of completing the project by May 29, 2024.
According to PUNCH, senior government officials involved in the project disclosed that the work became necessary as perennial floods threatened the facility and critical components were deteriorating fast.
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This development comes months after President Bola Tinubu proposed N4bn to renovate the official residence in Lagos and another N3bn to refurbish the Vice President’s official quarters in the state.
File Image of Dodan Barracks Entrance Gate
On October 30, 2023, the Federal Executive Council approved the amount as part of a N2.18tn supplementary budget for the 2023 fiscal year.
“Yes, renovation works have begun as approved by the budget. The rehabilitation was necessary because of the sorry state of the structure.
“Last rainy season, a major part of the building was almost taken away by floods. So we have to protect it from erosion and floods.
“We will also repair broken items, renew the furniture and make it a functioning State House Liaison Office.” the source said.
Dodan Barracks, located in Ikoyi, Lagos, was Nigeria’s former military headquarters and the seat of power from 1966 until 1991, when the Babangida administration made Abuja Nigeria’s administrative capital.
“Last rainy season, a major part of the building was almost taken away by floods. So we have to protect it from erosion and floods.
“We will also repair broken items, renew the furniture and make it a functioning State House Liaison Office.”
Dodan Barracks, located in Ikoyi, Lagos, was Nigeria’s former military headquarters and the seat of power from 1966 until 1991, when the Babangida administration made Abuja Nigeria’s administrative capital.
In April 2022, then-Permanent Secretary of the State House, Tijjani Umar, revealed plans to give the former seat of power a facelift by rehabilitating it.
After an on-the-spot assessment of the current state of its facilities, Umar said, “The collection and preservation of archival materials for posterity in the seat of government would receive more attention.”
Former US President Jimmy Carter During a Visit To Dodan Barracks In 1978
He noted that the rehabilitation would entail upgrading its library facilities and historical artefacts and opening the edifice to researchers and academics.
“We want to keep this place active, alive and functional, as well as make the working environment more conducive for the staff.
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“We cannot fix the entire structure in one day, but we can begin somewhere and see it to completion,” Umar had said.
Another official who did not want to be named said rehabilitation works will be completed by May 29, 2024. And may be used by President Bola Tinubu subsequently.
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