The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to allocate the forfeited Abuja estate linked to former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to low- and middle-income earners, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable Nigerians.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Jafaru Gambo Leko, titled “Need for Transparent and Equitable Allocation of Forfeited Abuja Estate Handed Over to the Ministry of Housing by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”
According to Leko, the estate — comprising 753 duplexes and apartments located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja — was recently handed over by the EFCC to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development after a final forfeiture order by the Federal High Court.
The property, covering more than 150,000 square metres, was allegedly acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities linked to Emefiele. Leko described its recovery as “a significant milestone in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.”
He stressed that the asset, if equitably distributed, could play a vital role in bridging Nigeria’s widening housing deficit, particularly in urban centres like Abuja.
“If properly managed, the estate could contribute meaningfully to addressing Nigeria’s severe housing challenges,” Leko said.
The lawmaker, however, expressed concern that without a transparent and accountable framework, the property could be cornered by “privileged elites,” undermining the essence of asset recovery and depriving ordinary Nigerians of affordable housing.
He further warned that a lack of public oversight or a clear selection process might erode public trust in the government’s anti-corruption and social equity initiatives.
Citing Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Leko reminded the government of its constitutional duty to promote citizens’ welfare and ensure access to adequate shelter.
Following the debate, the House urged the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to design and publish a transparent, inclusive allocation framework for the estate, giving priority to low-income families, IDPs, and other vulnerable citizens.
The ministry was also directed to submit a comprehensive report to the House within 60 days, detailing the estate’s proposed use, allocation criteria, and beneficiary selection process.
Additionally, the House Committee on Housing and Habitat was mandated to liaise with the ministry to ensure the distribution process adheres to the principles of equity, fairness, and transparency, and to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
“Transparency in asset management is essential to building public trust,” Leko added. “Nigerians must see tangible benefits from recovered assets directly improving their lives.”
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