The Federal Ministry of Housing has confirmed that its internal committee set up to evaluate a 753-unit housing estate in Abuja—reportedly associated with embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele—is close to completing its review.
According to The PUNCH, a senior official from the Ministry, who requested anonymity, clarified that the committee’s work is entirely separate from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s ongoing investigation into Emefiele’s alleged financial misconduct.
“The internal committee is almost through with its assignment,” the official disclosed.
“While there is no fixed date for submission, the report is expected to be ready soon. Once completed, it will be submitted to the Minister of Housing, who will then forward it to the President.”
The source stressed that the Ministry’s role does not include any legal actions concerning the former CBN governor.
“The matter involving Emefiele is with the EFCC. Our committee is focused on evaluating the estate in terms of completed units, quality of work, and what’s left to be done. That’s strictly within the Ministry’s scope,” the source added.
The estate, which was confiscated by the EFCC, is a central piece in the broader allegations against Emefiele, who is accused of misappropriating public funds during his tenure at the apex bank.
Following its seizure, the Ministry of Housing initiated an independent assessment of the property. The purpose, officials say, is to confirm the extent of construction, determine the number of livable units, and outline requirements for completion.
“The Ministry’s role is limited. Once the report is handed to the Minister and, subsequently, to the Presidency, any further action—including decisions about the property’s sale or continued seizure—will be determined at that level,” the official reiterated.
Meanwhile, legal representatives for Emefiele have appealed to the Minister of Housing, requesting a halt to any proposed sale of the estate pending the resolution of an appeal currently before the court.
“We are aware of proposed plans to put the estate up for sale. However, we have already served an appeal notice and obtained an injunction on the matter,” the legal team stated in a letter.
Despite the legal proceedings, the Federal Government has expressed interest in including the estate in its national housing agenda, aimed at providing affordable homes for low- and middle-income earners.
The Ministry has reiterated that the committee’s assignment is strictly administrative and does not intersect with any ongoing litigation involving the former CBN governor.
“We’re only concerned with assessing the estate. What happens next is up to the Presidency and relevant legal authorities,” the official added.
