FG to Distribute 753 Forfeited Houses Linked to Corruption Cases, Including Godwin Emefiele

 

In a bold move to address Nigeria’s pressing housing deficit and promote transparency, the Federal Government has unveiled plans to distribute 753 housing units recently recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through forfeiture. This announcement was made by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, on Monday, May 26, during the inauguration of the board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) in Abuja.

This significant initiative is part of the Federal Government’s broader effort under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to repurpose assets recovered from corrupt individuals—such as former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele—and use them for the public good, especially in the critical housing sector.

Background: How the EFCC Forfeited 753 Houses

The EFCC has, over the years, seized numerous properties across Nigeria through court-ordered forfeitures tied to money laundering, abuse of office, and financial crimes. Many of these assets had remained dormant and underutilized.

However, under President Tinubu’s directive, these properties will now be actively repurposed to address Nigeria’s estimated 20 million housing deficit.

Among the most notable recent forfeitures are assets linked to Godwin Emefiele, the embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Emefiele is currently facing multiple charges bordering on corruption, fraud, and abuse of office, and the EFCC has recovered various properties, cash, and luxury items believed to have been acquired through illicit means.

“The houses were handed over to the Ministry of Housing under the directive of President Bola Tinubu, and the ministry has since taken full possession of the properties,”
— Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development

What Happens Next? Assessment, Upgrades, and Disbursement

Arc. Dangiwa explained that the Ministry will conduct a comprehensive integrity test on all recovered properties to ensure structural soundness, safety, and habitability. A technical committee has been inaugurated and given a strict four-week timeline to complete assessments.

“We want to take the houses to a particular level of semi-finished before we disburse them to the Nigerian public,”
— Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa

The outcome of the technical report will guide further decisions, including the allocation strategy and necessary funding for upgrades.

Allocation: Who Gets the Houses?

Dangiwa emphasized that the majority of the housing units will be made available to the general public, with a small portion reserved for specific government use.

“While some of the houses will be allocated to meet specific government needs, the majority will be made available to the public,”
— Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa

This approach is aimed at promoting fairness, accessibility, and transparency—values often compromised in previous housing schemes.

Renewed Hope Portal: A Digital Game-Changer

To ensure openness and eliminate bottlenecks, the Renewed Hope Portal will serve as the official digital platform for allocation. Nigerians will be able to apply, browse listings, and select housing units based on location and affordability, all online.

“Through the portal, Nigerians can access, choose the house they want, and select a suitable payment option,”
— Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa

The digital system is also designed to eliminate middlemen and backdoor deals—issues that plagued previous government housing schemes.

Emefiele’s Case: A Wake-Up Call on Asset Recovery

The inclusion of Godwin Emefiele’s forfeited assets in this housing initiative sends a strong message about accountability and the consequences of corruption. With Emefiele facing prosecution for mismanagement of public funds and illegal transactions during his tenure as CBN governor, this move demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to reclaiming public wealth and redirecting it for national development.

Legal observers say this could become a template for future cases, ensuring that stolen assets are quickly reintegrated into the economy in meaningful ways, such as public housing, healthcare, and education.

Why This Matters: Addressing Nigeria’s Housing Crisis

Nigeria’s housing deficit is a long-standing issue caused by high construction costs, lack of infrastructure, and poor mortgage accessibility. Only a small percentage of citizens can afford to own homes without government intervention or financial assistance.

By converting forfeited properties—like those linked to Emefiele and others—into public housing, the government is not only saving billions in construction costs but also offering real, tangible benefits to ordinary Nigerians.

This move aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11, which seeks to make cities inclusive, safe, and affordable for all by 2030.

Boost to Real Estate and Job Creation

Experts say that refurbishing and repurposing these houses will boost the real estate and construction sectors, providing opportunities for local contractors and skilled workers in finishing and infrastructure upgrades.

Moreover, the cost-effective strategy of using existing assets instead of new builds could serve as a blueprint for future public-private partnerships in housing.

How to Apply: Steps for Interested Nigerians

If you’re interested in applying for one of these 753 housing units, here’s what you need to do:

1. Create an account on the Renewed Hope Portal.

2. Browse available housing units by state, size, and features.

3. Select your preferred unit and location.

4. Choose a payment plan that fits your financial situation.

5. Stay informed through official Ministry updates for timelines, eligibility, and requirements.

Conclusion: Turning Corruption into Opportunity

The decision to repurpose 753 forfeited homes, including properties linked to high-profile figures like Godwin Emefiele, is a bold and commendable step toward national reform. It shows how public assets, once hoarded through corrupt means, can be redirected to solve real problems faced by everyday Nigerians.

With the launch of the Renewed Hope Portal and a strong commitment from the Ministry of Housing, Nigerians now have a real shot at affordable homeownership through a transparent, fair, and digital process.

For continuous updates on this initiative and other impactful government policies, stay connected to NaijaRush — your trusted source for breaking news and developments that matter to the people.