The Federal Government has formally taken possession of a massive 753-unit housing estate in Abuja, previously owned by embattled former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, and plans to put the property up for public sale.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development confirmed on Tuesday that the estate, located in the capital’s Mabushi district, was handed over by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during a brief ceremony at the Ministry’s headquarters.
In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Salisu Haiba, the property was described as part of assets recovered by the EFCC in its ongoing crackdown on corruption.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, hailed the transfer as a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to repurpose recovered assets for the public good.
“The housing estate recovered from the former Governor of the Central Bank is a case in point,” he said.
Dangiwa announced that a joint inspection and structural integrity assessment would be conducted to evaluate the estate’s habitability.
Upon completion of the assessment, the housing units will be made available for purchase by members of the public and for special government needs.
He assured that the sale process would be competitive and transparent, with applications managed through the Renewed Hope Portal.
“There will be nationwide advertisements and a clear channel for Nigerians to express their interest,” he said.
EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, emphasised the symbolic importance of the handover.
“It is important to demonstrate to Nigerians that proceeds of crime recovered in our work will be applied transparently, and will not be looted again,” he said.
The move is widely seen as a bold step in linking anti-corruption efforts with housing policy, converting seized assets into opportunities for citizens while reinforcing the government’s commitment to accountability.
