FG to Sell Emefiele’s 753 Duplexes to Nigerians, Experts Question Affordability

The Federal Government is preparing to sell 753 duplex units seized from ex-Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, with plans to target low- and middle-income Nigerians.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered the estate in December 2024, following a court order.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede handed over the estate to the Housing Ministry on May 20, 2025. The ministry will first conduct structural integrity tests before listing the units for sale on its web portal, offering flexible payment options such as mortgage and rent-to-own schemes.

Despite these plans, real estate experts remain skeptical. Moses Ogunleye highlighted that the four-bedroom duplexes would be unaffordable for low-income earners, while Stephen Eke suggested selling the estate at market value and using the proceeds to fund affordable housing projects.

The estate has suffered neglect since construction halted in mid-2023, with reptiles and overgrown vegetation taking over the site.

The Housing Ministry assures the sales process will be transparent and inclusive, rejecting speculations of political favoritism.

Housing advocates propose converting the estate into subsidized rental housing for vulnerable groups, using a digital raffle system to allocate units fairly.