The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has taken delivery of the 753 Housing Units Abuja housing estate of former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered, and disclosed that it would be sold to Nigerians.
The Executive Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, handed over the housing estate to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa was at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi yesterday.
Minister Dangiwa commended the EFCC leadership, led by Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, for its sustained efforts in fighting corruption and recovering public assets.
“This marks a significant milestone in our collective determination to ensure that recovered assets are put to productive use in ways that benefit the Nigerian people. The housing estate recovered from the former Governor of the Central Bank is a case in point.”
“We intend to carry out thorough integrity and structural assessments on all buildings and associated infrastructure to confirm their safety and suitability for habitation”, the minister stated
The minister explained that a comprehensive technical evaluation will determine the cost of completing all outstanding infrastructure and ancillary facilities, including perimeter fencing, internal roads, drainage systems, a police post, shopping areas, recreational centres, and other essential amenities.
“The Ministry will offer the units for sale to the public and special government needs. We will adopt a transparent and competitive process for the public sale component. This will include nationwide advertisement and the Renewed Hope Portal, where interested Nigerians can submit their Expressions of Interest,” he remarked.
In his presentation remarks, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, stated that the handing over of the forfeited properties demonstrated the impact of the fight against financial crimes and corruption in Nigeria, as pronounced in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He recalled an investigation into the property that started last year. The investigation led to a civil forfeiture of the asset because it was believed that no one could have legitimately owned it.
He also emphasised the need for accountability and transparency in managing forfeited assets. He referred to President Bola Tinubu’s directive to submit the asset to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for completion.
“It is important for us to demonstrate to Nigerians that whatever proceeds of crime that we have recovered in the course of our work, the application of that will be made transparent to Nigerians so that we will not allow looted assets to be looted again”, he said.
The EFCC Chairman informed that the Estate contained hundreds of apartments on a parcel of land measuring 150,462.86 square meters and located at plot 109, Cadastral Zone, Co9, Lokogoma district, Abuja.
