A civil society organisation, Youth Arise Movement, has urged the Federal Government to halt its planned sale of 753 confiscated duplexes formerly linked to ex-Central Bank Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, and instead allocate the properties to members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The group’s call came in response to the May 20 handover of the properties by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, following a brief ceremony at the ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja.
EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, handed over the properties to Housing Minister, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, who announced that the homes would be sold to Nigerians through a transparent process on the Renewed Hope housing portal. Dangiwa also promised a structural assessment to ensure habitability.
However, Youth Arise Movement’s Convener, Mr Ademola Abidemi, in a Thursday statement, criticised the planned sale and instead called for a more “patriotic and impactful use” of the properties.
“We believe these 753 duplexes should be allocated to the brave men and women of the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force who suffer from a chronic lack of accommodation,” Abidemi stated.
He added that such a move would boost morale among military personnel and mark an unprecedented show of goodwill by a civilian government. “This would be the first time in history that a civilian president takes such bold action to directly support the welfare of our armed forces,” he noted.
Abidemi also expressed doubt about the transparency of the proposed public sale, warning it could be undermined by corruption and insider dealings. “Despite assurances, Nigerians remain sceptical. Previous asset sales have often ended in controversy. We fear the EFCC may find itself investigating these sales again,” he cautioned.
The group suggested that the duplexes could be offered to military officers at subsidised rates, with gradual payments deducted from their salaries to promote ownership and affordability.
In addition, Abidemi advised the Ministry of Housing to concentrate on building new homes for citizens, referencing recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for residences for appellate court justices as an example of targeted housing solutions.
He concluded, “This is a golden opportunity for the government to use recovered assets in the national interest. Selling these homes risks repeating past mistakes. Allocating them to the military will send a strong message of genuine support and integrity.”
