The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its efforts in asset recovery across the country, particularly the landmark recovery and handover of 753 housing units in the Lokogoma area of Abuja.
Minister Dangiwa gave the commendation during an inspection of the property located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, which measures 150,500 square meters and includes 753 housing units, comprising duplexes and other apartments, on Wednesday.
The recovery followed a final forfeiture order granted by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High (FCT) Court, Abuja, on December 2, 2024.
Thelensng reports that the EFCC handed over the 753 housing units, recovered from the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development on Tuesday.
Speaking during the inspection tour of the property, the Minister described the recovery as “unprecedented”.
His words: “I have to seriously commend the stewardship of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, on this outstanding recovery. As you can all see, this is the biggest recovery of its kind in the history of this country, 753 housing units recovered within just about a year of his appointment. Many more recoveries are ongoing, and we assure Nigerians that we will see more of such results. Nigerians will be better for it.”
Dangiwa urged the public to support the Commission in its mission to cleanse the country of economic and financial crimes.
“Nigerians should continue to trust in the efforts of the EFCC Chairman. I believe his drive stems from the goodwill of Mr. President, who has given him the mandate and the leverage to perform and he is utilizing it very well. Nigerians should have confidence in the EFCC and the capable leadership of Mr. Olukoyede in achieving a corruption-free nation,” he added.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede reiterated the Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of recovered assets.
Olukoyede explained that the visit was a follow-up to the handover of the estate to the Federal Government (FG) through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
“This inspection follows our meeting with the Honourable Minister yesterday regarding the handover of this recovered property. We wanted Nigerians to see firsthand the impact of the anti-corruption fight. We’ve walked for over an hour, yet we haven’t exhausted the estate. This shows the enormity of what has been recovered,” he remarked.
While acknowledging that 753 units were initially declared, he declared the possibility of the number increasing after remodeling and valuation.
The EFCC boss continued: “The figures we gave were based on architectural drawings and preliminary assessments. After remodeling, we may discover even more units. But what’s most important is that this property now belongs to the Federal Government and will be put to good use.”
Olukoyede emphasised that the recovery is a tangible result of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the use of anti-corruption tools to drive economic development.
“This recovery is a clear testimony to the President’s vision of using the instrumentality of anti-corruption to stimulate the economy. Once the remodelling is completed, the Federal Government will decide the best course of action, possibly offering opportunities to hardworking Nigerians to acquire affordable housing through a transparent and accountable process,” he further stated.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to continue to tackle economic and financial crimes without fear or favour.
