By Ade Iyamoye
Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, the lawmaker representing Tambuwal/Kebbe Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, has urged the Federal Government to allocate a recently forfeited estate in Abuja to address the housing needs of military personnel.
The vast estate, located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, spans 150,500 square meters and comprises 753 duplexes and apartments.
It was forfeited to the federal government on December 2, 2024, following a court order by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie.
The estate stands as the largest single asset recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), since its inception in 2003.
Dasuki, who also chairs the House Committee on Shipping Services, made the appeal in a statement marking the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
He emphasized that providing decent housing for military personnel is not just a policy decision but a moral obligation.
“We must ensure that those who risk their lives to protect us and uphold national security have a dignified place to live.
“This estate presents a unique opportunity to significantly address the housing deficit within the Armed Forces,” Dasuki stated.
With the 2025 budget currently under legislative review, the lawmaker called for immediate collaboration between the National Assembly and the Executive to facilitate the estate’s allocation.
He proposed that President Bola Tinubu send an amended Appropriation Bill to fund the completion of the housing units, ensuring they become habitable for military families.
He further underscored the critical role of housing in military welfare, noting that inadequate accommodation leads to stress, low morale, and operational inefficiencies.
“Providing decent housing for our troops will enhance their readiness, well-being, and overall effectiveness in safeguarding the nation,” he added.
While acknowledging the forfeiture as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight, Dasuki argued that its true impact would be realized if the property was repurposed for national interest.
“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 stressed.
He urged his colleagues in the National Assembly to work swiftly with the Executive to secure the estate for military use, describing it as a “low-hanging fruit” that could provide immediate relief to housing challenges within the Armed Forces, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory.
“As a nation, we must be eternally grateful to those who put their lives on the line for our safety.
“Beyond paying tribute to our fallen heroes, we must also prioritize the well-being of those still in service.
“This initiative will not only strengthen national security but also reaffirm our commitment to the welfare of those who defend our territorial integrity,” Dasuki concluded.
His call now places the ball in the court of policymakers, setting the stage for a potentially transformative decision in Nigeria’s military welfare and national security framework.