Housing Ministry warns public against fraudulent sale of Emefiele-linked housing estate

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has warned the public against fraudulent claims surrounding the purported sale of a 753-unit housing estate recently transferred to its custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In an official statement on Saturday, the Ministry clarified that it has not commenced any sale process for the estate, which is linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

According to the Ministry, the warning became necessary after it received reports of scammers soliciting N500,000 from unsuspecting Nigerians under the guise of selling expression of interest forms for the housing units.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Ministry has just taken over the estate from the EFCC as directed by Mr. President,” the statement read. “The houses will be completed, necessary infrastructure will be provided, and a clear strategy for public sale and government allocation will be announced in due course.”

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has announced plans to set up a technical committee to assess the estate’s physical condition, conduct integrity tests on the buildings, and identify infrastructure needs to ensure habitability.

Only after this assessment will the Ministry develop a disposal strategy and formally announce procedures for public sale, in line with directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Ministry urged Nigerians to disregard unofficial claims and to contact the departments of Public Building and Housing Development or the Press and Public Relations unit for any inquiries.

It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, public accountability, and inclusivity as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the housing sector.

“We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and rely only on official communications from the Ministry,” the statement concluded.