In a significant stride towards transparency in Nigeria’s fight against corruption, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over 753 housing units, allegedly seized from former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, to the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). The formal handover, executed by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, has been hailed as a groundbreaking moment in the nation’s anti-corruption efforts.
Senator Shehu Sani, a vocal advocate for accountability, praised the move in a statement on X, describing it as “one of the most unprecedented transparent processes that has happened in Nigeria’s anti-corruption” history. He emphasized the contrast with past practices, noting, “In the past, it would just have been dubiously auctioned to proxies.” Sani’s remarks is said to underscore a long-standing issue in Nigeria, where seized assets often mysteriously found their way back into the hands of allies of the political elite.
The housing estate, located in the Cadastral Zone of the Federal Capital Territory, was forfeited to the government following a court order after investigations linked the properties to Emefiele as proceeds of alleged unlawful activities. The handover is said to aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to ensure recovered assets benefit the public through a transparent process. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, speaking on the occasion, confirmed that the units would be completed and offered for sale via the Renewed Hope Portal, ensuring accessibility to Nigerians.
However, public skepticism persists. Many Nigerians, as seen in responses on X, question whether the FHA will maintain transparency in the allocation process, fearing a repeat of historical patterns of favoritism. The EFCC’s action, while commendable, places the onus on the FHA to prove its commitment to fairness.
