The Federal Government has set up a ministerial committee to oversee the development and allocation of 753 housing units in Abuja, which were recently recovered from former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, who is currently facing corruption-related charges.
The estate, located in the Lokogoma area of the Federal Capital Territory, was handed over to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in compliance with a directive from the Presidency as part of its ongoing efforts to recover misappropriated assets.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, inaugurated the 12-member panel on Monday, emphasizing that the project forms a vital part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in tackling the country’s housing shortfall.
Dangiwa said the committee was established to ensure the swift transformation of the recovered estate into safe, affordable, and livable homes for citizens.
He urged the team to eliminate delays and execute their duties with professionalism and transparency.
“The public is watching and expects visible results,” Dangiwa stated.
“People want to see homes completed and allocated fairly. It’s time to show that governance is working for the people.”
The panel, led by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Shuaib Belgore, includes top officials from key departments such as engineering, planning, procurement, finance, and media. Among their tasks are conducting a full assessment of the structures, identifying the number and state of each unit, and determining the cost of completing necessary infrastructure like internal roads, water supply, and electricity.
They are also expected to propose a uniform finishing standard for the estate, develop a transparent allocation plan using the Renewed Hope Housing Portal, and create a public awareness strategy to build confidence in the process.
The committee will also coordinate with critical stakeholders including the EFCC, the FCT Administration, and utility providers to ensure smooth implementation.
The panel is expected to submit an initial report within four weeks.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of State for Housing, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, highlighted the importance of collaboration and recommended that the panel invite additional technical experts if needed to meet the demands of the assignment.
In his remarks, committee chair Shuaib Belgore gave assurances that the team would carry out its responsibilities with diligence, adding that the project aims to demonstrate how recovered government assets can be transformed into infrastructure that serves the public.
“This initiative offers a blueprint for turning forfeited properties into projects that directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” Belgore said.
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