The Federal Government has announced plans to sell a vast estate comprising 753 housing units, forfeited by former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, to low and middle-income Nigerians in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The estate, located in the Lokogoma area of Abuja, was officially handed over by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, on Tuesday, May 20.
According to the EFCC, the property—spanning over 150,000 square metres—is the agency’s largest single asset recovery since its inception in 2003. A final forfeiture order was granted by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court on December 2, 2024.
Although construction on the estate was halted in July 2023, government officials have confirmed that the development will be completed and made available to Nigerians through transparent, flexible channels.
“The government’s plan is to complete the project and sell the houses through our official portal to Nigerians, with particular attention to low and middle-income earners,” said Badamasi Haiba, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Housing.
He added that structural assessments would precede any sale, and buyers would enjoy options such as rent-to-own, mortgage, and instalment payments via the ministry’s official portal: renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng.
Haiba emphasized transparency in the process, stating, “The portal cuts off human interference. Any Nigerian can browse the portal, select a house, apply, and receive an offer letter without knowing anyone in government.”
Emefiele, who was arrested by the Department of State Services in June 2023, attempted to reclaim the property earlier this year, alleging the EFCC concealed the forfeiture proceedings. His application was dismissed by the FCT High Court.
However, the estate’s current state reflects neglect. A visit to the location by Saturday PUNCH revealed that overgrown vegetation and reptiles, including snakes, have taken over the once-bustling construction site. Locals reported several snake incursions into nearby properties since construction stopped abruptly in July 2023—just a month after Emefiele’s arrest.
Despite the current condition, at least two of the duplexes appear completed, with others in various stages of development. The estate is situated among other high-value properties in the rapidly developing Lokogoma axis, underscoring its prime status.
The Ministry of Housing reiterated its commitment to completing and allocating the estate in a fair and inclusive manner, aligning with the broader goals of housing accessibility and transparency under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme.
