The Federal Government has announced plans to auction a 753-unit housing estate in Abuja, which was recently recovered from the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele.
The estate, located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09 in the Lokogoma District of Abuja, spans approximately 150,462.86 square meters.
It was formally handed over to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during a ceremony at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, commended the EFCC for its sustained efforts in fighting corruption and recovering stolen assets.
He stated that the recovery and repurposing of the estate mark a significant milestone in the federal government’s drive to utilize recovered assets for public benefit.
“This marks a significant milestone in our collective determination to ensure that recovered assets are put to productive use in ways that directly benefit the Nigerian people,” the Minister said.
Dangiwa disclosed that the estate will be made available for public sale through a transparent and competitive process. The sales will be advertised nationwide, and expressions of interest will be received through the Ministry’s Renewed Hope Portal. A portion of the units will also be reserved for special government needs.
Ahead of the auction, officials from the Ministry and EFCC will conduct a joint familiarization tour of the estate to assess the condition of the buildings and infrastructure. This will be followed by a comprehensive structural evaluation to ensure the safety and habitability of the units.
A technical appraisal will also estimate the cost of completing outstanding works, including internal roads, drainage systems, perimeter fencing, a police post, shopping centers, and recreational facilities.
EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, who handed over the estate documents to the Minister, emphasized the importance of repurposing recovered assets for public good. He described the handover as a demonstration of tangible progress in the fight against financial crimes and a practical step in realizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He revealed that investigations into the estate began in 2024 and led to a civil forfeiture after authorities determined that the property was acquired through illegitimate means. The handover to the Housing Ministry followed a directive from the Presidency.
“It is important for us to demonstrate to Nigerians that the proceeds of crime recovered during investigations will be applied transparently and for the benefit of the people. We will not allow looted assets to be looted again,” Olukoyede stated.
The EFCC Chairman assured that the Commission would monitor the completion and allocation process, with regular updates to the Presidency to ensure transparency and accountability.
The event concluded with the official transfer of ownership documents from the EFCC to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
