By Babs Oyetoro
The Federal Government has announced plans to sell a sprawling 753-unit housing estate in Abuja, recovered from the embattled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officially handed over the property in the Federal Capital Territory to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development on Tuesday.
Speaking during the handover at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, lauded the EFCC for its unwavering drive in fighting corruption and asset recovery.
“This marks a major milestone in our collective efforts to ensure that recovered assets are repurposed to benefit Nigerians directly,” Dangiwa said. “The recovered housing estate from the former CBN Governor is a prime example of how we can turn the proceeds of crime into a national gain.”
*FG to auction them through Renewed Hope portal after integrity test, says Housing minister
The Minister disclosed that officials of the Ministry and the EFCC would conduct a joint familiarisation visit to assess the current state of the estate.
He said integrity and structural tests would follow to confirm the buildings are safe for habitation.
According to him, the government plans to sell the units through a transparent, competitive process to the general public and for special government needs.
“We will advertise nationwide and use the Renewed Hope Portal for interested Nigerians to submit their Expressions of Interest,” he stated.
EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, who performed the handover, stressed the importance of transparency in managing recovered assets.
“We must show Nigerians that recovered proceeds of crime will be put to public use and not re-looted,” he said. “This handover demonstrates our commitment to accountability and the proper application of recovered assets.”
Emefiele, currently facing multiple corruption-related investigations, was under scrutiny over several financial dealings during his time as CBN Governor. The recovered housing estate is among the high-profile assets linked to him.
