Reps ask FG to allocate seized Emefiele Abuja estate to IDPs, low-income earners

….demand report in 60 days

The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to allocate the 753-unit housing estate recovered from Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to internally displaced persons (IDPs), low- and middle-income earners, and other vulnerable Nigerians.

The House tasked the federal ministry of Housing and Urban Development to develop and publish a transparent and inclusive allocation framework for the recovered estate prioritising vulnerable groups and submit a comprehensive report within 60 days on the proposed use, allocation criteria, and beneficiary selection.

This is sequel to a motion sponsored by Jafaru Leko representing representing Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa constituency during plenary on Tuesday.

The estate, comprising 753 duplexes and apartments, located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja was originally acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly linked to Emefiele.

The property was recently handed over by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the federal ministry of Housing and Urban Development, following a final forfeiture order granted by the Federal High Court.

The Hosue noted that the Estate, if properly managed, could meaningfully contribute to addressing the severe housing deficit in Nigeria currently estimated at over 17 million housing units, particularly in urban centres like Abuja.

Representatives expressed concern that without a transparent, accountable, and equitable framework for the allocation of such public assets, there is a risk that these recovered properties could fall into the hands of privileged elites, thereby defeating the purpose of asset recovery and denying ordinary Nigerians access to decent housing.

The House further expressed concerns that the absence of a publicly available beneficiary selection process or legislative oversight over such transfers may erode public confidence in the sincerity of government’s anti-corruption and social justice programmes.

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The House further urged the federal government to institutionalise a national database of forfeited assets, with mechanisms for public tracking and civil society oversight, to promote accountability and public trust.

It also mandated its Committee on Housing and Habitat to liaise with federal ministry of Housing and Urban Development to ensure the allocation process is guided by principles of equity, fairness, and transparency and report within four weeks for further legislative action.