The federal government has disclosed how the 753 duplexes forfeited by the former Governor of Central Bank (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, would be disposed off.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Housing, Badamasi Haiba, said the buildings are still under construction, adding that the integrity of each of the houses would first be ascertained to determine the next step.
Haiba explained that the houses would be made available through a government portal, allowing applicants to choose from the different payment options such as mortgage, instalments, or rent-to-own.
He said the platform would remove the need for middlemen and ensure fairness in the process.
Although the portal is not yet open for the houses, Haiba confirmed that the same online system already in use for over 10,000 other houses across the country, will be used for these houses as well.
He assured the public that the allocation would not be based on political connections but would follow a transparent and open procedure.
He added that once the technical assessment is completed, Nigerians will be able to view and apply for the houses directly from their devices, making it easier for them to participate in the programme without requiring personal connections or facing unnecessary hurdles.
The estate, which includes duplexes and other types of apartments, was taken over by the government after a final court ruling in December 2024.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier secured the property through a court-ordered forfeiture, following an investigation that tied the large estate to Emefiele.
The property, spanning more than 150,000 square metres, was described by the EFCC as the biggest single asset it has ever recovered since it was set up in 2003.
In April 2025, Emefiele attempted to reverse the forfeiture through a fresh court action, claiming he was not properly informed about the legal process that led to the seizure.
However, the court rejected his application, maintaining the forfeiture order.
On May 20, 2025, the EFCC officially handed the estate over to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
The minister, Ahmed Dangiwa, received the 753 units as part of a plan to make housing more accessible to Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda led by President Bola Tinubu.
