The Federal Government has announced plans to convert a large estate, recently seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), into a housing scheme targeting low and middle-income Nigerians.
The estate, which contains 753 housing units and spans over 150,000 square metres, was linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele. It was officially handed over to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development on May 20, 2025, after a court order granted final forfeiture in December 2024.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede transferred the estate to the Minister of Housing, Ahmed Dangiwa, following legal proceedings that began in 2023. Emefiele had attempted to contest the forfeiture earlier this year, arguing that the process was concealed from him by the EFCC. However, the court dismissed his application.
According to the Ministry’s Director of Press, Badamasi Haiba, the government intends to complete construction work on the estate and assess the structural quality before launching public sales. He said the homes would be sold through a transparent process, aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope housing initiative.
Haiba confirmed that the ministry’s web portal – renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng – would be the exclusive platform for sales and applications. The system allows prospective buyers to browse available homes, select preferred options, choose a payment plan, and submit applications without intermediaries.
He emphasised that the allocation process would prioritise inclusivity and affordability. “Flexible payment methods, including mortgages, instalments, and rent-to-own options, will be made available to accommodate Nigerians from various income levels,” he said.
Addressing public concerns over transparency, Haiba dismissed claims that the houses would be allocated to political elites, stating that the current administration is committed to eliminating corruption in public housing distribution.
Meanwhile, an on-site visit to the estate in the Lokogoma area of Abuja revealed that the property had suffered from neglect. Construction work, which reportedly halted in July 2023, has left many structures incomplete and surrounded by overgrown vegetation. Nearby residents and security personnel noted the emergence of reptiles, including snakes, in the area, attributing it to the long period of abandonment.
Despite the condition, several of the units appear close to completion, with visible plumbing and structural works already in place. The estate is located among other premium developments in Lokogoma, underscoring the potential value of the asset once fully restored and put to use.
With more than 10,000 housing units under development across the country, the Ministry of Housing views this estate as part of a broader push to address Nigeria’s housing deficit and improve homeownership among underserved citizens.
