Housing Ministry Nears Completion of Report on 753-Unit Project Seized from Emefiele
The Federal Ministry of Housing has confirmed that it is close to finalising its internal review of the 753-unit housing estate in Abuja, a project seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its alleged ties to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele. The estate became a subject of public attention following Emefiele’s arrest and the corruption charges levied against him in 2023.
An official within the Ministry disclosed that while the report is almost ready, the committee’s role is strictly administrative and focused on assessing the technical and structural status of the estate. The findings will be submitted to the Minister of Housing, who will then forward the report to the President for further decisions.
“The internal committee is doing its work. They are going to release it to the public pretty soon. There’s no affirmative date, but they’re almost concluded with the work,” the Ministry official said.
The source emphasised that the ongoing work by the committee is not directly related to Emefiele’s legal troubles. Instead, the panel was formed to determine the number of completed housing units, the level of work done, and what is required to complete the estate. “That’s a Ministry matter,” the official added.
Despite the estate’s connection to Emefiele and the corruption probe by the EFCC, the official clarified that any final decisions concerning the future of the estate or its legal entanglements will rest with higher government authorities. “The fight Emefiele has is with the EFCC. Once the committee’s report is ready, it goes to the Minister, and then to the President. It doesn’t really concern the Ministry anymore,” the source stated.
The estate was confiscated by the EFCC amid allegations of misappropriation of public funds during Emefiele’s tenure as CBN governor. The anti-corruption agency claims the funds used to develop the estate were illicitly acquired. In reaction, Emefiele’s legal team has written to the Minister of Housing, urging the government to halt any plans to dispose of the property while legal proceedings are ongoing.
“We are aware that the properties may soon be sold to the public. We have already served the EFCC with a notice of appeal and an injunction,” read a portion of the letter from Emefiele’s legal representatives.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government recently revealed intentions to sell the 753 housing units to low- and middle-income Nigerians, as part of its affordable housing initiative. However, the outcome of the legal appeal and the final report by the Ministry may determine whether this plan proceeds.
The committee’s report is expected to shed light on the status of the estate, including any incomplete structures, cost analysis, and next steps for completion or transfer. While the Ministry maintains a neutral stance, its review will play a crucial role in informing the Presidency’s decision.
As the nation awaits the final decision, the case highlights the intersection of anti-corruption enforcement, housing policy, and legal due process, all of which continue to play out under the public eye.