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Nigerian VIPs Pour Nearly N1.49 Trillion into Dubai Property Market

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It has been uncovered that Nigerian politicians, security officials, and their families have collectively invested close to N1.49 trillion in the Dubai property market over the past two decades.

This massive investment spree spans 1,600 properties located in some of Dubai’s most exclusive and sought-after neighborhoods.

The investigation, named ‘Dubai Unlocked,’ conducted over six months by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) in collaboration with Economy Post and other international media partners, has shed light on the extent of Nigerian elites’ financial footprint in the UAE’s commercial capital.

The investigation outlined the property holdings of these individuals, revealing an estimated total value approaching $1 billion.

As of 2020, Nigerian politically exposed persons (PEPs) and their associates owned around 800 properties valued at $400 million.

However, recent findings indicate a significant surge, with the number of properties doubling and their collective value nearing the N1.49 trillion mark.

The vast majority of these properties, amounting to 88%, are reportedly owned by individuals with ties to Nigeria’s government and security apparatus.

Prominent figures implicated in this expansive real estate portfolio include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whose family owns multiple high-end apartments and villas across prestigious locations such as Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa.

Similarly, other former governors, senators, and high-ranking civil servants have been linked to luxury residences in Dubai, raising questions about the source of funds used for these acquisitions.

Critics argue that while there may be legitimate reasons for acquiring property abroad, such vast investments raise concerns about capital flight and the origins of the funds involved.

Emmanuel Okeke, a legal expert, highlighted the distinction between lawful investments and potential financial misconduct, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in wealth acquisition by public officials.

The Dubai property market, renowned for its growth and stability, continues to attract global investors, with residential property prices rising by over 20% in the first quarter of 2024 alone.

Despite international scrutiny and calls for regulatory reforms to curb illicit financial flows, Dubai remains a favored destination for wealthy individuals seeking to diversify their assets.

Authorities in Nigeria and international organizations such as C4ADS have underscored the importance of ensuring that investments in foreign real estate are conducted ethically and in compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.

The spotlight on Nigerian VIPs’ extensive property holdings in Dubai serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by globalized financial activities and the imperative to safeguard against corruption and illicit wealth accumulation.

Is the CEO and Founder of Investors King Limited. He is a seasoned foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and other prominent platforms. With over two decades of experience in global financial markets, Olukoya is well-recognized in the industry.

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Economic Alliance: Governors Eno and Sanwo-Olu Flag Off Ibom Towers in Victoria Island

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The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, and his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have flagged off an 18-storey Ibom Towers project in the Victoria Island area of Lagos State.

Governor Eno announced this via a post on his official X handle on Wednesday, October 30.

Speaking after the Ibom Towers project ceremony in Lagos, Governor Eno stated that the project will drive revenue growth and strengthen economic ties between Akwa Ibom and Lagos States.

Eno commended Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu for leading the ceremony, adding that the project is set for completion in 24 months.

He detailed that the Ibom Towers, located at Plot 868A, Bishop Aboyade Cole, Victoria Island, Lagos, will feature luxury apartments, gyms, pools, and smart building technology.

Governor Eno said, “Today, as part of our efforts to diversify Akwa Ibom’s economy, we marked the groundbreaking of the 18-story Ibom Towers in Lagos. This project, expected to be completed in 24 months, will drive substantial revenue growth and economic ties between Akwa Ibom and Lagos States.

“We are grateful to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for leading the groundbreaking ceremony and to former Governors Udom Emmanuel, CON, and Obong Victor Attah for their support.

“Ibom Towers represents a bold step toward economic innovation, featuring luxury apartments, gyms, pools, and smart building technology.

“It’s designed to attract urban professionals and generate revenue through property leases and tourism, boosting GDP for both states. Thanks to everyone who joined us today, including the Oba of Oniru, HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, His Eminence Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, Speaker Udeme Otong, AKICORP MD Imo-Abasi Jacob, and numerous traditional rulers for their support in bringing this vision to life. Together, we’re paving the way for a prosperous future!”

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who described the project as a symbol of inter-state collaboration, commended Umo Eno for recognizing Lagos as a prime investment opportunity.

The Lagos State Governor expressed his full support for Governor Eno and the Ibom Towers project.

He said, “Today, I joined Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State for the groundbreaking ceremony of Ibom Towers in Victoria Island, Lagos.

“I commend Governor Eno for recognizing Lagos as a prime investment opportunity, as this project is a symbol of inter-state collaboration. It represents not only physical growth but also our commitment to strengthening economic ties and fostering new opportunities.

“As Ibom Tower rises, it will serve as a beacon for business and community engagement, reflecting our shared vision for Nigeria’s growth through creativity and collaboration.

“On behalf of Lagos State, I extend our support to Governor Eno and all involved in this endeavor.”

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FG Warns Property Owners: Settle Ground Rent in 60 Days or Lose Certificates of Occupancy

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The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has announced plans to revoke the Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) of property owners who continue to refuse payment of ground rent and other statutory charges owed to the Ministry.

This development was disclosed by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, during the 29th Conference of Directors of Lands held in Abuja on Wednesday.

Dangiwa stated that the Federal Government is giving C of O holders a 60-day ultimatum to clear their outstanding debts.

At the conference, themed “Equitable Land Stewardship: Challenges of Land Administration and Its Impact on Climate Change and Community Rights,” Dangiwa revealed that property owners’ refusal to pay their dues has resulted in a loss of trillions of naira in revenue for the government.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s administration will not tolerate non-compliance, as the revenue is critical to delivering on the president’s agenda.

He said, “The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is aware that several owners of titled properties have failed to pay ground rent and other statutory charges to the Ministry for several years.

“This non-compliance has resulted in the loss of trillions of naira in revenue to the Federal Government. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this cannot be tolerated, as this revenue is much needed to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

“As such all Federal C of O title owners are hereby given a 60-day notice to settle all outstanding ground rent and statutory charges. Failure to make payment within this period will result in the revocation of their C of Os.”

“Failure to adhere to these requirements will attract the appropriate penalties and sanctions,” Dangiwa warned.

The announcement comes amidst the economic hardship ravaging the country as a result of the fuel subsidy removal of President Bola Tinubu government’s.

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Deji Adeleke Boasts of Generating 15% of Nigeria’s Electricity, to Unveil $2bn Worth of Power Plant Next Year

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A billionaire businessman and father of popular music star David Adeleke, also known as Davido, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke has disclosed that he has a firm that generates about 15 per cent of Nigeria’s electricity.

He disclosed this while speaking at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church’s General Conference Annual Council 2024.

Adeleke revealed that he is in the process of constructing a 1,250-megawatt power plant worth $2billion, saying that upon completion, is expected to be the largest in the country and that it would be operational in January, 2025.

He said as a businessman in electricity, he owns power plants and generate presently about 15 percent of the electricity needs of Nigeria.

The elder brother of the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, said he has Chinese engineering companies that work for him, adding that his tenth new power plant will be the biggest thermal power plant in the country.

Adeleke disclosed that while preparations for the project were underway, an unnamed government official threatened to prevent its completion.

Despite this challenge, Adeleke credited the near-completion of the project to the mercies of God, stating that it is a testament to divine intervention that the venture has progressed this far.

Adeleke noted that his Chinese friend had to travel down to Nigeria to discuss a way out because he never believed that prayer was enough to get the project done.

He affirmed that prayer did as the then Minister of Power granted the approval because he saw that the project was a brilliant one.

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