The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has officially taken delivery of a 753-unit housing estate formerly owned by embattled ex-Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele. The estate, which was forfeited to the Federal Government following investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.
The handing over ceremony took place on Tuesday and was attended by the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, who both visited the estate for an official inspection.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Olukoyede stated that the recovery and forfeiture of the estate underscores the Commission’s resolve to pursue justice and recover proceeds of crime, no matter how high the profile of the individuals involved. He noted that the estate is part of ongoing efforts to trace and retrieve assets linked to alleged corrupt practices by public officials.
Receiving the estate on behalf of the Federal Government, Arc. Dangiwa commended the EFCC for its diligence and commitment. He assured Nigerians that the Ministry will put the estate to good use in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in addressing the nation’s housing deficit.
“This is a significant step toward making housing more accessible to Nigerians. The recovered estate will be evaluated, completed where necessary, and allocated to deserving citizens through transparent and affordable housing schemes,” the minister said.
The estate consists of a mix of housing units, some of which are still under construction. The Ministry says it will carry out a full assessment to determine the level of work required to make the units habitable.
The ceremony was also witnessed by senior officials from the EFCC, the Ministry of Housing, representatives of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and members of the media.
This development marks a notable win in the government’s anti-corruption drive and its effort to convert forfeited assets into national assets that benefit the Nigerian people.
By Ubong Usoro
