Housing Ministry, Police Float Taskforce to Recover Encroached Federal Property

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development,  Ahmed Dangiwa, yesterday announced the establishment of a national task force on the recovery of encroached federal government lands and properties in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Speaking during a visit to the Inspector General of Police, KayodeEgbetokun, at the force headquarters in Abuja, the minister commended the Inspector General for his  leadership in repositioning the force to align with the vision of President Bola Tinubu to secure lives, property, and the future of Nigeria.

Dangiwa, who led a delegation of the ministry’s management, including the Permanent Secretary, Dr. ShuaibBelgore, emphasised that federal government lands are not mere parcels of soil but national assets held in trust for all Nigerians, a statement by the Director Press and Public Relations, BadamasiHaiba, said.

“They are meant to host housing estates, infrastructure, and public projects that create jobs, drive development, and expand opportunities. When they are illegally occupied, development is stalled, investments are wasted, and the collective future of Nigerians is shortchanged,” he stated.

The minister expressed appreciation to the Inspector General of Police for approving the ministry’s request to set up the taskforce, describing the approval as a strong signal of the force’s readiness to protect national assets.

The taskforce, which will include representatives from key ministries, agencies, and security services, he said, will spearhead a coordinated nationwide effort to recover and safeguard government lands and properties.

“With the full support of the Nigeria Police Force, I have no doubt that this initiative will succeed,”  Dangiwa assured.

He further emphasised that safeguarding federal government lands was central to the implementation of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as these assets will now be better secured and put to work to advance development, empower communities, and improve lives.

“Safeguarding federal government lands is not just about protecting property; it is about protecting the promise of a better Nigeria. It is about ensuring that every project built on these lands contributes to Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda – a Nigeria where every citizen can live with dignity, security, and opportunity,” the minister affirmed.

In his response, the Inspector General of Police, Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to the joint taskforce, stressing that housing remains critical to the welfare of citizens.

He welcomed Tinubu’s directive for the allocation of over 1,000 housing units to police officers, describing it as a measure that would boost their welfare and strengthen their service to the nation.

The collaboration between the ministry and the Nigeria Police Force, according to the statement, sends a clear national message that federal government assets belong to the people, and under the current administration, they will be protected, preserved, and utilised for the good of all.