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ABUJA, Nigeria - The Federal Government has declared its intention to sell 753 housing units that were recovered from former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele during the investigations into his suspected fraud and misconduct in office.
This announcement follows the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development's announcement that it has taken control of the property, which was retrieved by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The ministry indicated that the asset was handed over by the EFCC on Tuesday at its headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, stated that the sale will take place through a fair and competitive bidding process, adhering to President Bola Tinubu’s directive to ensure the equitable management of public assets.
Dangiwa further mentioned that the ministry is currently reviewing the documentation and valuation of the properties ahead of making them available to the public. “We plan to carry out comprehensive integrity and structural evaluations of all buildings and related infrastructure to verify their safety and habitability.
The Ministry will offer the units for sale both to the public and to meet specific government requirements. For the public sale aspect, we will implement a clear and competitive process, which will include nationwide advertising and the use of the Renewed Hope Portal for interested Nigerians to submit their Expressions of Interest,” he noted.
Additionally, Dangiwa commended the EFCC for its ongoing dedication to asset recovery and the wider fight against corruption.
He disclosed that the Ministry, in partnership with the EFCC, will conduct a joint familiarization tour to evaluate the current state of the estate.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of the handover, describing it as a clear indication of the government’s commitment to tackling corruption.
“It is crucial for us to show Nigerians that any proceeds of crime recovered during our operations will be transparently applied, ensuring that looted assets do not face re-looting,” he asserted.
