The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has applauded the recent court ruling ordering the forfeiture of 753 properties tied to corruption, describing it as a significant milestone in the fight against graft.
In a statement from Festus Adebayo, Executive Director of HDAN, the organization praised Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie and the legal team for their diligence in ensuring the landmark judgment, which marks the largest property seizure in Nigeria’s history.
Adebayo emphasized the importance of addressing corruption in Nigeria, warning that the pervasive issue threatens the nation’s development. He pointed to high-profile cases, such as the alleged embezzlement by a former Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, which have faded from public attention despite the staggering sums involved.
“This pattern of noise followed by silence encourages a culture of impunity,” Adebayo said.
HDAN expressed particular concern about the impact of illicitly funded projects on Nigeria’s real estate sector. Adebayo questioned how a single developer could construct 753 housing units without scrutiny, arguing that honest developers, burdened by high-interest loans and limited resources, cannot compete against those using laundered funds.
The organization called on the government to implement stricter regulations for the real estate sector, including mandatory identification of developers and verification of funding sources. “Transparency is essential not only for attracting credible investment but also for restoring Nigeria’s integrity in the global community,” Adebayo noted.
Adebayo has expressed deep concern over the growing corruption within various agencies, describing it as a major obstacle to addressing Nigeria’s housing challenges. The HDAN Boss lamented that even routine processes like building approvals and other real estate transactions are now tainted by corrupt practices, with staff members allegedly demanding payments into personal accounts alongside official government fees.
The organization questioned how the housing sector could effectively progress in the face of such systemic corruption, emphasizing that it poses the greatest threat to achieving affordable and sustainable housing in the country.
HDAN urged the government to ensure that the recently seized estate does not follow the same opaque path as previous forfeited assets, where little is known about their management or allocation. The group called for the estate to be handed over to the Federal Ministry of Housing, which should be held accountable for its proper use. Alternatively, he suggested selling the estate to Nigerians in the diaspora, many of whom have been victims of fraudulent real estate schemes. This approach, they argued, would both generate substantial revenue and restore trust in the system.
Adebayo emphasized the importance of ensuring that proceeds from such sales are deposited into the Federal Treasury or channeled towards developing social housing for Nigerian workers who struggle to afford existing housing options.
HDAN further urged that the forfeited properties be repurposed for public good. Suggestions included converting them into housing for medical professionals or selling them to Nigerians in the diaspora, with proceeds returned to the national treasury. “These properties are national assets, and their use should reflect the needs and priorities of Nigerians,” Adebayo stated.
Recall that on December 2, 2024, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie ordered the final forfeiture of an expansive estate in Abuja, spanning 150,500 square meters and comprising 753 duplexes and other apartments. This ruling marks the largest asset recovery by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) since its establishment in 2003. Located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, the estate was acquired through fraudulent means. The EFCC, invoking the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act alongside the Nigerian Constitution, secured a court ruling in its favor, with the property now forfeited to the federal government. This legal milestone is a decisive victory in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against corruption.
HDAN reiterated its commitment to advocating for policies that promote transparency, equity, and sustainable development in Nigeria’s housing landscape. By taking these steps, Adebayo believes the government can demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability while addressing the housing deficit and fostering equitable development across the country.
The advocacy group is a research-driven, non-profit, volunteer, and non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting affordable housing across Africa. With a membership of over 5,000 professionals spanning various disciplines within the housing and construction industry, HDAN strives to advance sustainable housing solutions throughout the continent.
