Housing Ministry, NPF Establish Task Force To Recover Encroached Lands

The minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has announced the establishment of a National Task Force on the Recovery of Encroached Federal Government Lands and Properties in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja, the Minister commended the IGP for his exemplary leadership in repositioning the Force to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of securing lives, property, and the future of Nigeria.

Arc. Dangiwa, who led a delegation of the ministry’s management, including the permanent secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, emphasised that federal government lands are not mere parcels of soil but national assets held in trust for all Nigerians.

A press statement signed by the director of Press and Public Relations, Badamasi S Haiba, revealed that the Minister appreciated the Inspector-General of Police for approving the Ministry’s request to set up the Task Force. The statement described the approval as a strong signal of the Force’s readiness to protect national assets.

The Task Force, including representatives from key Ministries, Agencies, and Security Services, will spearhead a coordinated nationwide effort to recover and safeguard federal government lands and properties.

“They are meant to host housing estates, infrastructure, and public projects that create jobs, drive development, and expand opportunities. When they are illegally occupied, development is stalled, investments are wasted, and the collective future of Nigerians is shortchanged,”.

“Safeguarding Federal Government lands is not just about protecting property; it is about protecting the promise of a better Nigeria. It is about ensuring that every project built on these lands contributes to Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda – a Nigeria where every citizen can live with dignity, security, and opportunity,” the minister affirmed.

In his response, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to the joint Task Force, stressing that housing is critical to the welfare of citizens.