By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, has 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).
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by Director Press and Public Relations, Badamasi S Haiba.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja, the Minister commended the IGP for his exemplary leadership in repositioning the Force to align with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to secure lives, property, and the future of Nigeria.
Arc. Dangiwa, who led a delegation of the Ministry’s management including the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, emphasized that Federal Government lands are not mere parcels of soil but national assets held in trust for all Nigerians.
“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 Task Force, describing the approval as a strong signal of the Force’s readiness to protect national assets.
The Task Force, which will include representatives from key Ministries, Agencies, and Security Services, will spearhead a coordinated nationwide effort to recover and safeguard Federal Government lands and properties.
“With the full support of the Nigeria Police Force, I have no doubt that this initiative will succeed,” Arc. Dangiwa assured.
He further emphasized that safeguarding Federal Government lands is central to the implementation of President 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, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to the joint Task Force, stressing that housing is critical to the welfare of citizens.
He welcomed President 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 sends a clear national message: Federal Government assets belong to the people, and under Renewed Hope, they will be protected, preserved, and utilized for the good of all.
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