21st May, 2025
News desk
The Federal Government has announced plans to sell 753 housing units in a massive Abuja estate formerly linked to embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele. The estate, now in the custody of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, was officially handed over on Tuesday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja.
The Director of Press and Public Relations at the ministry, Salisu Haiba, confirmed the development in a statement, noting that the estate, located in Lokogoma District on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, covers over 150,000 square meters and comprises hundreds of duplexes and apartments.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, hailed the EFCC’s role in recovering the asset, describing the handover as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
“This marks a significant milestone in our collective determination to ensure recovered assets benefit the Nigerian people,” Dangiwa said. “We will conduct structural and technical assessments before offering the units for sale through a transparent and competitive process via the Renewed Hope Portal.”
He revealed that the ministry would also complete critical infrastructure like roads, drainage, fencing, and recreational facilities before the sale. A portion of the estate will be reserved for special government needs.
EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede emphasized the importance of transparency in the asset’s disposal, warning that the commission would monitor the sale process closely and provide regular updates to President Bola Tinubu.
“We must show Nigerians that recovered assets will not be looted again,” Olukoyede said, while commending the President and judiciary for supporting anti-corruption efforts.
Court documents show the estate was allegedly acquired with illicit funds traced to kickbacks Emefiele and associates received from foreign exchange allocations and contract awards during his tenure. A final forfeiture order was granted in December 2024 by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court, after which Emefiele’s attempt to reclaim the property was dismissed in April 2025.
Reacting to the development, key players in the housing sector called for full transparency. Executive Secretary of the Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria, Toye Eniola, supported the public sale but urged vigilance to ensure the homes go to truly needy Nigerians, not government insiders.
Adekunle Okupe, CEO of Ace Hi-Tech Construction, advised remodeling the large duplexes into smaller units to boost housing availability and affordability. “This would create over 3,000 new units and generate funds for a revolving housing development scheme,” he said.
Others, including Stephen Eke of Fajiri Construction and architect Seyi Amusan of Space Button Architecture, expressed skepticism about whether the process would genuinely benefit ordinary Nigerians. Amusan raised concerns over pricing, transparency, and whether the homes would remain accessible to the masses.
While the ministry has not yet disclosed the pricing of the units, Dangiwa assured that the process would be accountable, with all Nigerians having an opportunity to participate.
