Headline: Reps Push for Emefiele-Linked Forfeited Estate to Be Allocated to Low-Income Earners and IDPs

Reps Push for Emefiele-Linked Forfeited Estate to Be Allocated to Low-Income Earners and IDPs

The House of Representatives has proposed that a high-value estate allegedly linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, be allocated to low-income Nigerians and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The estate, which was recently forfeited to the Federal Government following an ongoing corruption probe, has been at the center of political and legal discussions.

During plenary on Tuesday, the lawmakers unanimously supported a motion urging the Federal Ministry of Housing and relevant agencies to repurpose the property into affordable housing units. They argued that it is time to convert the proceeds of corruption into meaningful infrastructure that directly impacts vulnerable Nigerians.

Hon. Kabir Ibrahim, who sponsored the motion, noted that while many Nigerians are struggling to find shelter due to economic hardship and displacement from conflict zones, luxury estates tied to corrupt practices are left unused or auctioned to the wealthy. He described the proposal as a step toward social justice and equity.

 According to the lawmakers, Nigeria currently has over 3.5 million IDPs and millions more living in substandard housing. “It would be morally wrong to allow properties recovered from corruption to serve only elite interests,” Ibrahim said. “Let these homes shelter those who need them most.”

The House resolved to set up a committee to liaise with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Federal Housing Authority to assess the estate's suitability and make recommendations for its redistribution.

The estate in question, located in a highbrow area of Abuja, reportedly consists of over 100 housing units. Investigators allege that it was acquired using public funds during Emefiele’s tenure as CBN governor. Though Emefiele continues to deny wrongdoing, several of his assets have been subject to investigation and forfeiture.

Public reaction to the motion has been largely positive, with several civil society organizations commending the House for taking a people-centered approach. “This should set the tone for how looted assets are managed in the future,” said Auwal Musa Rafsanjani of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC).

 However, some critics have warned that implementation must be transparent to avoid new layers of corruption. “Allocating the homes to IDPs must not become a political tool,” said Dr. Nkiru Ibe, a policy analyst. “There should be a clear, verifiable process to identify beneficiaries.”

As Nigerians await further action, the motion signals a growing demand for ethical restitution in governance. If fully implemented, the proposal may mark a shift in how Nigeria manages its anti-corruption recoveries — from symbolic victories to tangible impact on the lives of the poor.