In a bold move to promote transparency and discipline in governance, the Federal Government is set to auction a 753-unit duplex estate in Abuja previously linked to the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
The estate, located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, was officially transferred to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The transfer followed a final forfeiture order granted by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in December 2024.
According to the Ministry, the handover was made on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at its Mabushi headquarters.
This came after the court dismissed Emefiele’s attempt to reclaim the property in April for failing to file within the legal deadline.
“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,” said Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa.
“The housing estate recovered from the former Governor of the Central Bank is a case in point,” he added.
The estate is said to have been acquired through proceeds from alleged kickbacks related to forex allocations and contract awards during Emefiele’s tenure.
Meanwhile, EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, emphasized the Commission’s commitment to preventing recovered assets from being misappropriated again.
“It is important for us to demonstrate to Nigerians that whatever proceeds of crime that we have 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,” Olukoyede said.
“We will monitor the completion and transparent disposal of the properties,” he added.
The Ministry has revealed plans to conduct a joint inspection with the EFCC.
This inspection will assess the structural integrity of the buildings and ensure they are safe for use.
“We intend to carry out thorough integrity and structural assessments on all buildings and associated infrastructure to confirm their safety and suitability for habitation,” Dangiwa explained.
He also noted that a technical review would be carried out to determine the cost and scope of completing roads, drainage, fencing, and other facilities.
In addition, the housing units will be offered to the public and for special government needs through a competitive and transparent process.
“The ministry will offer the units for sale both to the public and for special government needs,” Dangiwa said.
“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.”
Although the specific prices for the duplexes have not yet been announced, housing experts have praised the government’s decision.
Moreover, this effort aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which encourages the productive use of government resources.
It is expected that the Renewed Hope Portal will provide all necessary details to guide interested buyers during the application period.
