The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Government to ensure that a 753-unit estate recently confiscated from former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele is allocated to low and middle-income earners, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable Nigerians.
The directive followed a motion presented by Rep. Jafaru Leko on Tuesday, titled “Need for Transparent and Equitable Allocation of Forfeited Abuja Estate,” which was adopted by the Green Chamber.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had in May handed over the property, seized from Emefiele, to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, as earlier reported by PUNCH Online.
According to Channels TV, Leko informed his colleagues that the estate sits on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, and spans over 150,000 square metres.
The lawmaker explained that the properties were allegedly purchased with proceeds from unlawful activities linked to the former CBN chief, describing the forfeiture as “a significant milestone in the nation’s anti-corruption efforts.”
Leko said, “If properly managed, the estate could contribute meaningfully to addressing Nigeria’s severe housing deficit, particularly in cities like Abuja.”
However, he raised concerns that without proper oversight, the properties could fall into the hands of privileged individuals, thereby defeating the purpose of asset recovery.
“Without a transparent and accountable framework, the properties might end up in the hands of privileged elites, defeating the purpose of asset recovery and denying ordinary Nigerians access to decent housing,” the representative stated.
He warned that failure to establish an open and accountable allocation mechanism would erode public confidence in the government’s anti-corruption and social justice programmes.
The lawmaker also reminded the House of the constitutional responsibility of all government tiers to guarantee citizens’ welfare, including adequate shelter, as provided in Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to create and publish a transparent allocation framework that prioritises low and middle-income earners, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups.
The ministry has also been directed to submit a detailed report within 60 days, outlining the proposed use of the estate, allocation criteria and the process for selecting beneficiaries.
Additionally, the Committee on Housing and Habitat has been mandated to work with the ministry and report back to the House within four weeks to ensure the exercise complies with principles of equity and transparency.
Leko emphasised, “Transparency in asset management is vital to building public trust. Nigerians must see the benefits of recovered assets directly improving lives.”
