The Federal Government has inaugurated a 12-member committee to manage and oversee the repurposing of 753 duplexes recently handed over by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, as part of efforts to convert seized assets into livable infrastructure.
The housing estate, situated in Abuja’s Lokogoma District, had been previously linked to the embattled former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Following a presidential directive, the EFCC handed over the estate to the Ministry, prompting swift government action to determine its future use.
At the inauguration held in Abuja on Monday, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, charged the committee with conducting a comprehensive technical evaluation of the estate. Tasks include structural integrity assessments, enumeration of housing units, valuation of completed work, and cost projections for infrastructure needs such as roads, electricity, and water supply.
“The committee’s mandate reflects President Bola Tinubu’s renewed focus on ensuring that recovered public assets are converted into functional, affordable housing,” Dangiwa said, stressing the importance of transparency and public trust throughout the process.
According to the ministry, the team is also expected to propose guidelines for uniform design and finishing standards, develop a framework for equitable allocation of the units through the Renewed Hope Housing Portal, and establish a public communication strategy to build credibility in the process.
Permanent Secretary Shuaib Belgore will chair the committee, which includes directors from technical, engineering, planning, procurement, and media units of the ministry. Minister of State for Housing, Yusuf Ata, also urged the panel to bring in additional experts as necessary to meet its four-week reporting deadline.
“The public expects efficiency, fairness, and speed. This committee must deliver on all three,” Ata said.
Belgore assured that the team would approach the assignment with professionalism and diligence, highlighting that its success could set a precedent for transforming other recovered assets into beneficial infrastructure.
“This isn’t just about housing,” Belgore remarked. “It’s about proving that justice can deliver dividends turning past abuses into a better future for Nigerians.”
