The President of Nigeria resides and works at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, also known as Aso Villa13. This is the official workplace and residence of the President of Nigeria since 1991 when the capital of Nigeria was moved from Lagos to Abuja1. The Aso Villa is located in the Asokoro District of Abuja1.
However, the Presidential complex consists of the main Presidential Villa, the State House Conference Center, the State House Annex, the State House Clinic, and the Akinola Aguda House1. Aso Villa is considered the most protected presidential statehouse in Africa.
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When Was Aso Villa Established?
Aso Villa was established as Nigeria’s presidential residence when the country’s capital moved from Lagos to Abuja. In 1976, the government, led by General Murtala Mohammed, decided to relocate the capital to a more central location.
This was done to promote national unity and ease the growing population pressure in Lagos. A special committee, headed by Justice Akinola Aguda, studied possible locations and recommended the creation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the area now known as Abuja.
The government officially announced this decision on February 3, 1976, to make Abuja’s development the new capital. With the move to Abuja, a new official residence for the President was needed.
Construction of Aso Villa began in 1989 during the administration of President Ibrahim Babangida. The construction contract was given to Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, a well-known company.
It took just 13 months to complete the project, and the villa was officially opened on December 12, 1991. President Babangida was the first Nigerian leader to live there. Aso Villa is more than just the home of the President.
It also serves as the office where the country’s leader carries out official duties. The villa has offices for the President and Vice President, meeting rooms, and halls where important government activities take place.
It is located in the “Three Arms Zone,” an area that also includes the National Assembly and the Supreme Court. This symbolizes the unity of Nigeria’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
The name “Aso” comes from the Gbagyi language and means “victory.” However, the Gbagyi people are the original inhabitants of the area and hold Aso Rock, the massive rock formation near the villa, in high cultural and spiritual regard.
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Who Was The First President To Live In Aso Villa?
The first president to live in Aso Villa, the official residence of the Nigerian president, was Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. Babangida became the military president of Nigeria in 1985 after leading a coup that removed his rival, Muhammadu Buhari, from power.
His rise to power was the result of years of service in the Nigerian Army, where he was involved in several coups and fought in the Nigerian Civil War.
By the time he became president, Babangida had reached the rank of General and held the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
During Babangida’s rule, known as the “Babangida Era,” Nigeria saw significant changes, but it was also a time of political unrest and corruption. His government was accused of misappropriating billions of dollars, and his regime faced several coup attempts.
One of the most notable events was the execution of officers involved in a failed coup, such as Mamman Vatsa in 1985 and Gideon Orkar in 1990.
Babangida’s rule was also seen as an attempt to transition Nigeria to a democratic system, which ultimately failed when he annulled the 1993 presidential election, triggering a major political crisis. Babangida’s government is also remembered for its involvement in international diplomacy, especially in Africa.
His administration helped Nigeria become a regional power, contributing troops to peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone. His relationship with the Muslim world also grew during his time in office, but this caused some ethnic and religious tensions at home.
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What Other Buildings Are In The Presidential Complex?
In addition to the Main Presidential Villa, which serves as the President’s residence and office, other key structures within the complex help run the presidency and government operations. The State House Conference Center is one of these buildings.
It is used for hosting conferences and important meetings.The State House Annex provides extra office spaces, and for medical needs, there is the State House Clinic, which offers healthcare to the President, Vice President, their families, and the staff working in the complex.
Akinola Aguda House, initially planned as a Presidential Lodge and Guest House, is now used as the Vice Presidential Complex. It houses the Vice President’s office and living spaces. The entire Presidential Complex is located near Aso Rock, a large 400-meter monolith that is part of the Three Arms Zone in Abuja.