Tinubu made the statement on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, while inaugurating the reconstructed Lagos State Governors’ Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. The President was represented at the ceremony by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
He urged political leaders to recognise that public infrastructure belongs to the people and must be managed responsibly, regardless of changes in political leadership.
According to him, government projects should be designed and maintained to serve successive administrations rather than the personal interests of those temporarily occupying public office.
The President commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for delivering the facility, describing it as evidence of the state’s commitment to quality infrastructure and responsible management of public assets.
He noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub and Centre of Excellence, deserved facilities that reflected its economic importance and institutional responsibilities.
Tinubu also expressed hope that the reconstructed lodge would remain a place of peace, comfort and hospitality for successive Lagos governors and their families.
Tinubu Emphasises the Importance of Lasting Public Assets
The President’s message centred on the need for continuity in governance and the responsible management of public resources.
He maintained that public assets should be preserved, improved and developed to ensure that future generations benefit from investments made by successive administrations.
His position also reflects the broader challenge of maintaining government infrastructure beyond the tenure of individual officeholders. Across Nigeria, public buildings and facilities often require consistent maintenance, proper funding and institutional oversight to remain functional.
By emphasising that public assets must outlive political leaders, Tinubu called attention to the responsibility of governments to deliver infrastructure that serves enduring public purposes.
He recalled that the previous Lagos Governors’ Lodge was demolished in October 2025 to make way for the reconstructed facility, which he described as a befitting official residence for the Lagos governor and family whenever they visit Abuja.
Sanwo-Olu: Lodge Designed for Government Business
Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the reconstructed lodge as more than an official residence, explaining that it was designed to serve as an institutional centre for government business, strategic engagements and relations with the Federal Government.
He noted that although Nigeria’s capital moved from Lagos to Abuja in December 1991, Lagos continued to maintain significant economic and political interests in the nation’s capital.
According to the governor, successive Lagos administrations regularly travel to Abuja for National Economic Council and Council of State meetings, as well as engagements with ministers, lawmakers, diplomats, fellow governors and investors.
He explained that the previous lodge had served the state for several decades but no longer adequately reflected Lagos’s current status, growing responsibilities and need for modern facilities.
Sanwo-Olu said the reconstructed building would provide a suitable environment for official meetings, hospitality and engagements aimed at advancing the state’s interests.
He also disclosed that the facility bears the Lagos State seal and its motto, “Justice and Progress”, reflecting the state’s identity and institutional values.
The governor stressed that the building belonged to the people of Lagos and was designed to serve successive administrations.
He said governments should concentrate on delivering lasting infrastructure rather than building facilities solely for the enjoyment of those currently in office.
Julius Berger Completes Reconstruction Project
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc executed the reconstruction, which commenced in July 2025 and was completed in September 2026.
He commended the construction company for delivering the project within the agreed period despite technical challenges, including excavation work reaching approximately 10 metres deep.
During the project briefing, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc Managing Director, Dr Peer Lubasch, said the facility occupied approximately 2,700 square metres of built-up space.
The complex comprises three main structures: the governor’s residence, a guest house and a utility building.
Lubasch explained that several subsidiaries of the Julius Berger Group participated in the project. PrimeTech handled the architectural and engineering designs, while other subsidiaries supplied windows, façade components and furniture.
The reconstruction involved replacing the previous structure and developing a modern facility intended to accommodate official activities and provide appropriate residential and hospitality services.
The completion in September 2026 followed the demolition of the old lodge in October 2025, marking the delivery of a project that the Lagos Government considers important to its continued presence in Abuja.
Hamzat Describes Lodge as Strategic Investment
Earlier, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat described the reconstructed facility as a renewed institutional presence for Lagos in the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the project represented a strategic investment in government business, official hospitality and engagements with federal authorities, the diplomatic community and private-sector stakeholders.
Hamzat noted that the improved facilities would provide a more conducive environment for the state’s official activities in Abuja.
His remarks reinforced the administration’s position that the lodge should be viewed as an institutional asset rather than simply a residential building.
Former Governors and Dignitaries Attend Ceremony
The inauguration attracted several prominent personalities, including former Lagos governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode.
Members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, officials of the Lagos State Executive Council, captains of industry and other dignitaries also attended the ceremony.
Their presence reflected the significance of the project as a state-owned facility intended to support Lagos’s administrative and political engagements at the federal level.
The event also provided an opportunity for the state government to highlight its infrastructure development priorities and the importance of maintaining public facilities.
Beyond Individual Administrations
The reconstruction of the Lagos Governors’ Lodge has brought renewed attention to the importance of public asset management and continuity in governance.
For Lagos, the facility is expected to support official engagements in Abuja while providing accommodation and meeting spaces for successive governors and visiting government officials.
However, its long-term value will depend not only on the quality of construction but also on maintenance, responsible management and effective use of public resources.
Tinubu’s message at the inauguration underscored the principle that government infrastructure should serve the public beyond the tenure of individual leaders.
As political administrations change, the responsibility to protect public assets remains. The reconstructed lodge therefore represents both an infrastructure investment by Lagos State and a reminder that lasting governance requires institutions and facilities capable of serving generations.
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