The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to prioritise low- and middle-income earners, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable Nigerians in the allocation of a 753-unit housing estate recently forfeited to the government.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved on Tuesday by Jafaru Leko, member representing Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency, titled “Need for Transparent and Equitable Allocation of Forfeited Abuja Estate.”
Leko told lawmakers that the property, located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, covers more than 150,000 square metres and was allegedly acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
He said the estate’s forfeiture represents a major step in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and urged the government to ensure the asset benefits ordinary Nigerians rather than “privileged elites.”
“If properly managed, the estate could contribute meaningfully to addressing Nigeria’s severe housing deficit, particularly in cities like Abuja,” Leko said.
“But without transparency and accountability, it risks being captured by privileged elites, defeating the purpose of asset recovery and denying ordinary citizens access to decent housing.”
He added that lack of openness in the allocation process could erode public confidence in the government’s anti-corruption drive and social justice initiatives.
Adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to develop and publish a transparent allocation framework for the estate, giving priority to low-income earners, IDPs, and vulnerable groups.
Lawmakers also mandated the ministry to submit a comprehensive report within 60 days detailing the proposed use of the estate, the allocation criteria, and the beneficiary selection process.
The House Committee on Housing and Habitat was directed to liaise with the ministry and report back within four weeks to ensure the process adheres to principles of fairness and accountability.
“Transparency in asset management is vital to building public trust,” Leko said. “Nigerians must see the benefits of recovered assets directly improving lives.”
The estate was one of the properties handed over to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in May 2025 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after it was forfeited by former CBN Governor Emefiele following investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of office.
