By Fatima Ndagi
The House of Representatives has inaugurated an ad-hoc committee to investigate abandoned federal properties across Nigeria, signaling a crackdown on waste and mismanagement of public assets.
The inauguration, chaired by Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and represented by Chief Whip Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, emphasized the 10th House’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible asset management. “We are determined that no public property is left to decay or fall into neglect,” Abbas said.
The committee, led by Hon. Daniel Amos, has been tasked with mapping all abandoned federal buildings and lands, identifying policy failures behind their neglect, and probing issues such as illegal occupation, encroachment, or mismanagement. The panel is also expected to engage relevant ministries, agencies, and host communities to ensure a thorough investigation.
Amos highlighted that thousands of federal properties have been left idle, representing lost opportunities in housing, development, revenue generation, and public service delivery. He pledged a transparent, evidence-based investigation and vowed to recommend reforms to prevent future waste.
“Every abandoned property is a deferred development, lost revenue, and erosion of public trust,” Amos said. “Our goal is to turn idle assets into engines of growth and renewed national stewardship.”
The House said it would collaborate with the Executive to implement the committee’s findings, aiming to rehabilitate, repurpose, or responsibly dispose of federal properties for the nation’s benefit.