Where Does The President Of Nigeria Live

The President of Nigeria lives in the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. It is the official residence and workplace of the President, located in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. The villa is near Aso Rock, a famous natural landmark and symbol of national leadership.

History Of Aso Rock Presidential Villa

The Aso Rock Presidential Villa, the official residence of the President of Nigeria, was completed in 1991. Its construction began in 1989 under the leadership of President Ibrahim Babangida, who later became the first Head of State to live there on December 12, 1991.

This move was a notable change in Nigeria’s governance, coinciding with the relocation of the nation’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.

The decision to move the capital was made in 1976 by the military government of General Murtala Mohammed, who sought a central location for a new Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Before the villa’s completion, the Akinola Aguda House was the Presidential Lodge and Guest House. Named on October 1, 1983, it hosted Nigeria’s first Cabinet Meeting outside Lagos after Abuja held the Independence Anniversary celebrations in 1982.

After the completion of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, the Aguda House became the Vice President’s residence. Between 1999 and 2007, the Vice President lived in a different residence, which later became the Chief Justice’s official quarters.

A new Vice Presidential residence was built and commissioned in 2024. Located near the iconic Aso Rock monolith within Abuja’s Three Arms Zone, the villa is at the heart of Nigeria’s governance.

It includes the President’s residence and office, the Vice President’s office, the State House Conference Center, the State House Annex, the State House Clinic, and the Akinola Aguda House.

Aso Villa is a symbol of Nigeria’s leadership and democracy. The villa is highly secure and protected by the Presidential Guard Brigade, State Security Service, and Mobile Police Force.

These forces ensure the safety of the President, Vice President, and their families. However, the villa cost 25 billion naira to build and remains an iconic part of Nigeria’s political history. It is also known as “The State House,” “The Villa,” and “The Aso Rock.”

Some Notable Presidents That Have Lived In The Aso Rock Presidential Villa

Here are some notable presidents who have lived in the Aso Rock Presidential Villa since its inauguration in 1991:

Ibrahim Babangida – 1991–1993
Sani Abacha – 1993–1998
Abdulsalam Abubakar – 1998–1999
Olusegun Obasanjo – 1999–2007
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua – 2007–2010
Goodluck Jonathan – 2010–2015
Muhammadu Buhari – 2015–2023
Bola Ahmed Tinubu – 2023–present

Can The Public Visit The Aso Rock Presidential Villa?

Because of its importance, the villa is a secure and private location, and access is usually restricted. Only government officials, dignitaries, and guests are allowed inside.

Security at the villa is very strict, with the Presidential Guards Brigade and other agencies providing protection. However, there are times when parts of the villa are made accessible to the public.

These opportunities happen during national holidays like Independence Day or Democracy Day. On such occasions, selected areas of the villa may be opened to citizens and guests.

In the past, tourists would visit Aso Villa if they obtained special permission, but this has become more limited over the years due to security concerns. Increased threats, including those from terrorist groups like Boko Haram, have led to stricter access controls.

Nigerian Leaders