The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has joined forces with the Nigeria Police Force to create a National Task Force dedicated to the recovery and protection of Federal Government lands and properties that have been unlawfully occupied throughout the country.
The programme was made public on Tuesday in Abuja by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, during a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, at the Force Headquarters.
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The minister, flanked by top ministry officials including Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, asserted that federal lands are not mere parcels of soil, but vital national assets intended for the construction of housing projects, infrastructure and other developments that generate jobs and expand opportunities for Nigerians.
“When they are illegally occupied, development is stalled, investments are wasted and the collective future of Nigerians is shortchanged,” Dangiwa emphasised.
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The minister praised the IGP for authorising the Task Force, terming the action a clear affirmation of the Police Force’s commitment to the safeguarding of national assets and reinforcing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Task Force will comprise representatives from key ministries, agencies, and security services.
Its mandate includes coordinating nationwide efforts to recover encroached lands and ensuring they are secured for public use.
According to Dangiwa, protecting federal lands is central to delivering housing and infrastructure projects under President Tinubu’s agenda.
“This is not just about protecting property; it is about protecting the promise of a better Nigeria where every citizen can live with dignity, security, and opportunity,” he added.
In his remarks, IGP Egbetokun pledged the Police Force’s full support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of housing to the welfare of citizens, particularly security personnel.
He welcomed President Tinubu’s recent directive for the allocation of over 1,000 housing units to police officers, saying it would enhance their welfare and strengthen their commitment to national service.
The collaboration, both leaders agreed, sends a clear message that Federal Government assets belong to the people and will be preserved and utilized for national development.