The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, and Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, on Wednesday inspected a 753-unit housing estate in Abuja recently confiscated from former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
According to a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Salisu Haiba, the inspection was part of plans to repurpose the estate for public benefit under the Federal Government’s National Social Housing Programme.
The estate, located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, covers 150,500 square metres and includes a mix of duplexes and apartment units. It was officially handed over to the Ministry on May 20, following a final forfeiture order issued by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court on December 2, 2024.
Minister Dangiwa said technical assessments and structural integrity tests would begin immediately as part of efforts to prepare the units for sale to Nigerians via the Renewed Hope Portal. He described the development as a major milestone in the fight against corruption.
“The government of the day is serious about fighting corruption,” Dangiwa noted, commending the EFCC for what he called “one of the most significant recoveries in recent history.”
EFCC Chairman Olukoyede emphasized the importance of public transparency. “The essence of this visit is to show Nigerians that this estate is real,” he said, responding to public scepticism after earlier aerial photos of the estate circulated online.
He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to accountability and noted that integrating the estate into the national housing programme reflects President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to expand access to affordable housing and promote responsible governance.
The recovered estate is expected to contribute significantly to the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme and stands as a symbol of the Federal Government’s resolve to repurpose looted assets for public benefit.
