The federal government has announced plans to sell the 753 housing units recovered from former Central Bank governor, Godwin Emefiele, as proceeds of crime.
This development is contained in a statement on Tuesday by Salisu Haiba, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development spokesperson.
Mr Haiba disclosed that the ministry had taken delivery of the estate, consisting of 753 units of duplexes recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from Mr Emefiele.
He said the houses would be sold to the public for special government needs.
Mr Haiba said the executive chairman of EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede, handed over the housing estate to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa.
According to the statement, Mr Dangiwa commended the EFCC leadership for the sustained efforts in the fight against corruption and the recovery of public assets.
He said the ministry would conduct a joint familiarisation tour of the facility alongside the EFCC team to properly assess its state.
”We intend to carry out thorough integrity and structural assessments on all buildings and associated infrastructure to confirm their safety and suitability for habitation.
“A comprehensive technical evaluation will be undertaken to determine the cost of completing all outstanding infrastructure and ancillary facilities.
“These include perimeter fencing, internal roads, drainage systems, a police post, shopping areas, recreational centres, and other essential amenities.
”The ministry will offer the units for sale both to the public and for special government needs,“ the minister said
Mr Dangiwa said that the ministry would adopt a transparent and competitive process for the public sale component.
He added that this would include a nationwide advertisement and the use of the Renewed Hope Portal where interested Nigerians would submit their expressions of interest.
Also in the statement, Mr Olukoyede said the handing over of the forfeited property demonstrated the impact of the fight against financial crimes and corruption.
He emphasised the need for accountability and transparency in managing forfeited assets.
The EFCC chairman disclosed that President Bola Tinubu directed the handing over of the asset to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for completion.
According to him, the estate on a parcel of land measuring 150,462.86 square metres is located at plot 109, Cadastral Zone, CO9, Lokogoma District, Abuja.
He said the commission would monitor the project completion by the ministry for periodic reports and feedback to the president.
Mr Olukoyede thanked Mr Tinubu for creating a conducive environment for the fight against corruption to thrive.
He also commended the judiciary for standing by the fight, ensuring that people do not get away with the proceeds of crime.
