By Anthony Isaac, Abuja
The Federal Government on Tuesday announced plans to sell the 753-unit housing estate in Abuja seized from former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, who is currently standing trial on corruption charges.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development confirmed that it had officially taken possession of the property, which was handed over by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Salisu Haiba.
“The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has taken delivery of the 753 housing units in Abuja belonging to the former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,” the statement read.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, commended the EFCC for its continued efforts in asset recovery and the fight against corruption.
“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 housing estate recovered from the former CBN Governor is a case in point,” Dangiwa stated.
He revealed that the Ministry, in collaboration with the EFCC, would embark on a joint familiarization tour to assess the current condition of the estate.
“We intend to carry out thorough integrity and structural assessments on all buildings and associated infrastructure to confirm their safety and suitability for habitation,” he said.
Dangiwa added that the housing units would be sold to the public and also allocated for special government needs. The public sale process, he assured, would be transparent and competitive.
“This will include a nationwide advertisement and the use of the Renewed Hope Portal, where interested Nigerians can submit their Expressions of Interest,” he said.
EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, while handing over the estate, emphasized the importance of transparency in the management of recovered assets.
“It is important for us to demonstrate to Nigerians that all proceeds of crime recovered in the course of our work will be transparently applied, so we do not allow looted assets to be looted again,” he stated.
