Dasuki Pushes for Forfeited Abuja Estate to House Military Heroes

By Achimi muktar

In a bold move to address the housing challenges faced by Nigeria’s Armed Forces, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, representing the Tambuwal/Kebbe Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, has called on the Federal Government to allocate a recently forfeited estate in Abuja to military personnel.

The estate, situated at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, spans an impressive 150,500 square meters and houses 753 duplexes and apartments. On December 2, 2024, the estate was forfeited to the federal government by court order, marking it as the largest single asset ever recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

"A Moral Obligation to Our Military"

Dasuki, who also chairs the House Committee on Shipping Services, made the appeal in a statement commemorating Armed Forces Remembrance Day. He stressed the importance of providing decent housing for the military, framing it as both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity.

“We must ensure that those who risk their lives to protect us and uphold national security have a dignified place to live,” Dasuki asserted. “This estate presents a unique opportunity to significantly address the housing deficit within the Armed Forces.”

A Budgetary Opportunity

With the 2025 budget under legislative review, Dasuki urged swift action, proposing collaboration between the National Assembly and the Executive. He called on President Bola Tinubu to amend the Appropriation Bill to fund the estate’s completion and make it habitable for military families.

He argued that inadequate housing leads to stress, low morale, and operational inefficiencies within the Armed Forces. “Providing decent housing for our troops will enhance their readiness, well-being, and overall effectiveness in safeguarding the nation,” he emphasized.

A Landmark in Anti-Corruption Repurposed for National Interest

While acknowledging the estate's forfeiture as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight, Dasuki emphasized that its repurposing for military use would amplify its significance.

“This is a rare opportunity that must not be wasted. We owe it to our servicemen and women to ensure their sacrifices are not in vain,” he stated, urging his colleagues in the National Assembly to act swiftly.

A Win for National Security and Welfare

Dasuki described the estate as a "low-hanging fruit" that could provide immediate relief to the housing challenges within the Armed Forces, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory.

“Beyond paying tribute to our fallen heroes, we must also prioritize the well-being of those still in service,” Dasuki said. “This initiative will not only strengthen national security but also reaffirm our commitment to the welfare of those who defend our territorial integrity.”

What’s Next?

Dasuki’s call has placed the spotlight on policymakers, setting the stage for what could be a transformative decision in Nigeria’s military welfare and national security strategy. As the debate unfolds, the fate of this vast estate hangs in the balance, with the potential to become a cornerstone of improved military welfare.