The Federal Government has announced plans to sell 753 housing units recovered from former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele during investigations into his alleged fraud and abuse of office.
This development comes after the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development revealed it had taken possession of the property, which was recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The ministry disclosed that the property was handed over by the EFCC on Tuesday at the its headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, explained that the sale would be conducted through a transparent and competitive bidding process, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to ensure fairness in the management of public assets.
Dangiwa added that the ministry is currently verifying the documentation and valuation of the houses before they are made available to the public.
“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 Ministry will offer the units for sale both to the public and for special government needs. For the public sale component, we will adopt a transparent and competitive process. This will include nationwide advertisement and the use of the Renewed Hope Portal where interested Nigerians can submit their Expressions of Interest,” he added.
Speaking further, Dangiwa praised the EFCC for its sustained commitment to asset recovery and the broader anti-corruption fight.
He revealed that the Ministry, in collaboration with the EFCC, would embark on a joint familiarisation tour to assess the current condition of the estate.
On his part, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede highlighted the symbolic and practical significance of the handover, describing it as a clear demonstration of the government’s resolve to combat corruption.
“It is important for us to demonstrate to Nigerians that whatever proceed of crime that we had 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 stated.
