The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has officially taken over a 753-unit housing estate in Abuja, formerly linked to ex-Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele and recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, handed over the estate to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Describing the handover as a milestone in the fight against corruption, Dangiwa commended the EFCC for ensuring that public assets are recovered and redirected for the benefit of Nigerians.

“This estate marks a significant milestone in our collective determination to ensure that recovered assets are put to productive use,” he stated.

He announced that the Ministry will embark on a joint inspection of the estate with the EFCC to assess its condition.

He said a structural and integrity tests will be conducted, followed by a technical evaluation to determine the cost of completing necessary infrastructure, including fencing, roads, drainage, police post, shopping areas, and recreational facilities.

According to Dangiwa, the units will be offered for sale through a transparent and competitive process.

“For the public sale component, we will adopt a transparent and competitive process through nationwide advertisement and the Renewed Hope Housing Portal, while some units will be reserved for special government needs,” he said.

The EFCC Chairman, Olukoyede, described the handover as proof of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to transparency in the management of recovered assets under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This property was forfeited after an investigation revealed that no one could have legitimately owned it. We must show Nigerians that proceeds of crime will not be looted again,” he said.

He disclosed that the estate sits on 150,462.86 square meters of land in Lokogoma District, Abuja and houses hundreds of apartments.

He assured that the EFCC will continue to monitor the estate’s completion and ensure periodic reports are submitted to the President

Olukoyede thanked President Bola Tinubu and the judiciary for their support in the fight against corruption.

The ceremony ended with the formal handover of documents from the EFCC Chairman to the Housing Minister.