THE Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has issued a warning to Nigerians to be wary of crooks and fraudsters exploiting the recent takeover of the 753-unit housing estate linked to former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
The Ministry clarified that no process has yet begun for the sale of the estate, and anyone claiming otherwise is a scammer.
In a Saturday press statement titled “Confiscated 753-Unit Housing Estate Not on Sale Yet, Beware of Scammers”, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Badamasi Haiba, the Ministry stated on X: “The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development wishes to alert the general public that it has not yet commenced any process for the sale of the 753-unit housing estate linked to former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, which it has taken custody of from the EFCC, a few days ago.”
The Ministry emphasized that reports had reached it indicating that scammers were asking unsuspecting Nigerians to pay N500,000 for a nonexistent expression of interest form, claiming to have slots from the housing ministry to sell the houses. The Ministry categorically debunked these claims, warning the public to remain vigilant.
It continued, “For avoidance of doubt, the Ministry has just taken over the estate from the EFCC as directed by Mr. President.
“The houses will be completed by the Ministry, and all the necessary infrastructure will be provided before offering them to the public for sale and for special needs of the government.”
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has announced plans to establish a technical committee to oversee the next steps.
“The Hon Minister, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, had in that regard announced that the Ministry would set up a technical committee to carry out physical assessment of the facility, conduct integrity test of the buildings, ascertain the infrastructure needs that will make the estate habitable, and finally come up with the disposal strategy,” the statement read.
The Ministry assured the public that a clear and adequate announcement would be made regarding the sale, as directed by President Bola Tinubu.
It stated, “The public is hereby informed that the Ministry will give a clear and adequate announcement, as well as strategy outlined for the sales of the houses, as directed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”
The Ministry further urged the public to direct all inquiries to its officials through the departments of Public Building and Housing Development, and the Press and Public Relations unit for clarification before committing any resources.
“Accordingly, the general public is therefore warned not to fall victim to fraudsters, and are advised to directly contact the Ministry’s officials… for clarification before they commit any resource as regards to the purchase of the houses,” it further read.
Reiterating its commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, the Ministry stated: “The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that the process is guided by transparency, public accountability, and inclusivity, while delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda in the housing sector.”
Nigerians have been urged to stay alert and rely solely on official communication channels for accurate information, the statement concluded.