By Christiana Ekpa
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday inaugurated an ad-hoc committee to investigate Federal Government abandoned landed properties and buildings across the country, declaring that the era of national assets wasting away is over.
Speaking at the inauguration held at the National Assembly, Abbas said the committee’s mandate reflects the 10th House’s commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public asset management.
“We are committed to ensuring that no public property is left to decay or fall into neglect,” Abbas said. “These facilities represent public wealth that must serve the country.”
The Speaker, who was represented by the Chief Whip, Hon Usman Bello Kumon, said the investigation would cover the location, status, history, and current occupancy of all abandoned federal properties, alongside the policy failures that led to their abandonment.
Abbas tasked the committee, chaired by Hon. Daniel Amos, to be meticulous and fearless in identifying assets that have been left idle, mismanaged, encroached upon, or illegally acquired.
He stressed that federal landed assets, from buildings to empty plots, must either be rehabilitated, converted to public use, or responsibly disposed of.
“The public expects honest findings and recommendations that will help the government stop waste and improve asset management,” he said. “This responsibility calls for focus, patience, and a strong sense of national duty.”
The Speaker also announced plans for a long-term framework in partnership with the Executive to track, protect, and optimise federal properties nationwide.
“The 10th House will work with the Executive to establish a coordinated and transparent system for identifying, assessing, and restoring abandoned Federal Government properties,” he said.
