written by Springnewsng media limited

Abuja, Nigeria – May 24, 2025
The Federal Government has announced plans to sell a massive estate comprising 753 housing units—previously linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele—to low and middle-income Nigerians as part of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme.

The estate, located in the Lokogoma district of Abuja, spans over 150,000 square metres and was recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in December 2024. The EFCC confirmed it as the largest single asset recovery in its history, with the estate featuring a mix of duplexes and other residential units.

The final forfeiture was granted on December 2, 2024, by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court. Court documents linked the estate directly to Emefiele. His attempt in April 2025 to reclaim the property was dismissed by the court.

On May 20, 2025, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede formally handed over the estate to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, who reiterated the government’s commitment to making homeownership accessible to everyday Nigerians.

Homes for Nigerians, Not the Elite

Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Badamasi Haiba, emphasized that the estate would benefit ordinary Nigerians. He explained that a full structural and integrity assessment would be conducted before the sales process begins.

“The estate will be profiled and sold through the Ministry’s housing portal—renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng,” Haiba said, adding that flexible payment options, including mortgages, rent-to-own, and installment plans, will be available.

He also assured Nigerians of a transparent sales process, stating that the portal eliminates human interference and political favoritism.

“Applicants can browse house types, choose their preferred payment option, and apply directly online. Offer letters will be issued digitally to successful applicants,” he said.

Renewed Hope Programme Targets Over 10,000 New Homes

The estate forms part of the larger Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, under which over 10,000 housing units are nearing completion nationwide. Haiba confirmed that the same sales process would apply to these and all future developments.

Despite public skepticism, he dismissed claims that the estate might be secretly allocated to politicians, noting that the ministry’s digital process is designed to promote accountability.

Estate Overtaken by Bushes and Reptiles After Construction Halt

A visit to the estate revealed that construction had been abandoned since July 2023, shortly after Emefiele’s arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS) in June 2023. Overgrown vegetation and reptiles—including snakes—have since overrun the site.

Local security guards from nearby estates confirmed the growing presence of snakes, attributing it to the unkempt nature of the vast estate.

“We’ve killed several snakes that came from there. Construction stopped abruptly, even though everything seemed ready for completion,” one of the guards told Saturday PUNCH.

Although two duplexes appear finished, most of the buildings remain incomplete, with visible plumbing and carpentry works left hanging.

What’s Next?

The Ministry of Housing will first complete construction before opening the sales portal to the public. The Federal Government says the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to increase affordable housing access for all Nigerians.

For updates and applications, visit renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng.