A civil society organisation, Youth Arise Movement, has called on the Federal Government to halt its proposed sale of 753 duplexes seized from the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele, and instead allocate them to members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Recall that the duplexes, which were confiscated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for allegedly being proceeds of crime, were handed over to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development on May 20, 2025, during a brief ceremony in Abuja.
The EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, presented the properties to the Minister, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi.
Speaking at the event, Dangiwa commended the EFCC for its commitment to asset recovery, stating that the Ministry would “conduct a joint familiarisation tour and thorough structural assessment” to ensure the buildings are habitable.
He added that the homes would be offered for sale through a transparent, nationwide process via the Renewed Hope housing portal.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, the Convener of Youth Arise Movement, Mr Ademola Abidemi, criticised the planned sale and urged the government to consider a more patriotic option.
“We believe that these 753 duplexes should be allocated to the brave and selfless men and women of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force who continue to endure severe accommodation shortages.
“This will go a long way in alleviating their suffering and boosting their morale as they serve our country with dedication.”
Abidemi questioned the credibility of the planned public sale, warning that it could become riddled with corruption and political manipulation.
Despite assurances of transparency, Nigerians are understandably sceptical. In the past, similar exercises have been marred by bribery and insider dealings. It’s only a matter of time before the EFCC will have to investigate the very sale of these properties again,” he said.
The group noted that providing the homes to military personnel would align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and represent an unprecedented show of goodwill by a civilian administration toward the armed forces.
“This would be the first time in our history that a civilian President makes such a direct and bold move to address the welfare of our military.
“It is time for actions, not just political statements,” Abidemi noted.
He suggested that the homes could be given to military officers at subsidised rates, with payment deducted over time from their salaries.
This, he said would ensure a sense of ownership while reducing financial burden.
Abidemi also encouraged the Housing Ministry to focus on developing new affordable housing projects for citizens, citing the recent FEC approval secured by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for appellate court justices’ residences.
In conclusion, the group maintained that allocating the seized duplexes to military personnel would not only address a critical need but also prevent what it described as “another venture into a cesspool of corruption.”
“This is a golden opportunity to use recovered assets to serve the national interest. The government must rise to the occasion,” Abidemi said.