The Nigerian government has identified nine palaces and their surrounding roads for federal interventions in the proposed 2025 appropriation bill. The projects, valued at hundreds of millions of naira, aim to upgrade the palaces, construct or repair proximal roads, install solar-powered lights, and address ecological challenges threatening the palace premises ¹.
Five of the projects are new initiatives captured for quick intervention in various ministries, while the remaining four are ongoing projects. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development will execute the top two interventions, valued at N400 million, for the renovation of the palaces of the Alamuwo of Kuje Amuwo in Lagos State and the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti.
Another significant project is the repair of the Offa Palace to Ariku Oko road, proposed at N100 million, to be executed by the Ministry of Works. This project aims to improve the road network surrounding the palace, enhancing accessibility and safety.
In addition to these projects, the government has allocated funds for the provision of solar-powered boreholes and motorized boreholes in various palace areas. For instance, the provision of solar-powered boreholes around the chief palace area Bmuko in Bwari Area Council has been proposed at N15.5 million.
The government has also prioritized solar-powered light installation projects, including the Olosi Palace and its environs in Osi town, Kwara State, valued at N30 million. This project, proposed by the Ministry of Power, will be executed by the National Rural Electrification Agency.
Erosion control measures have also been proposed for the royal palace road in Mbiabong Ikot Etim, Akwa Ibom State, valued at N30 million. This project, initiated by the Ministry of Environment, aims to mitigate ecological challenges threatening the palace premises.
Two other projects, each valued at N40 million, have been proposed for the construction of a town hall at Isinkan, Iralepo’s palace in Akure, Ondo State, and the rehabilitation of the Tal district head palace at Tal Billiri in Gombe State.
The Nigerian government’s investment in these palace renovation and road construction projects demonstrates its commitment to preserving cultural heritage sites and improving infrastructure across the country.
