By Rejoice Peterside
The House of Representatives has pledged to work closely with the Federal Government to track, assess, and recover abandoned federal properties across Nigeria, with an estimated value of over N20 trillion.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen made the announcement on Tuesday while inaugurating a House Ad-hoc Committee tasked with investigating all abandoned federal landed properties. He was represented at the ceremony by the Chief Whip, Usman Bello Kumo.
“These properties are part of the nation’s resources and require careful management to prevent loss and misuse,” the Speaker said. “We have placed this responsibility on the committee, chaired by Daniel Amos, because we believe the work will strengthen public trust in how national assets are managed.”
He assured that the Legislature and the Executive would maintain open channels of cooperation to update asset records, improve oversight, and ensure proper utilisation and protection of public resources. “The 10th House of Representatives stands for integrity and transparency, and we are committed to the pursuit of fairness in handling abandoned government properties across the country,” he added.
Abbas outlined the committee’s terms of reference, emphasising the need for a comprehensive and practical approach. Members are expected to review all abandoned government lands and buildings, determine their locations and conditions, investigate circumstances surrounding their abandonment, identify policy gaps, and propose measures for recovery, rehabilitation, or responsible disposal.
He urged the committee to ensure thoroughness and impartiality in its work. “Every conclusion must rely on established facts and relevant law. The public expects honest findings and recommendations that will help the government stop waste and improve asset management,” he said. “Engagement with ministries, departments, agencies, host communities, and other stakeholders will be essential. Your approach should remain fair and firm at all times.”
Nigeria has thousands of Federal Government-owned assets, including lands, buildings, offices, and residential quarters, many of which have been abandoned, mismanaged, or encroached upon over the years. Reports indicate that hundreds of properties under the Ministries of Works, Health, Education, Defence, and Finance remain unaccounted for, while some have been illegally sold or leased without proper oversight.
The committee is expected to produce recommendations that will help recover and protect these properties, prevent further losses, and ensure that abandoned assets are returned to productive use in line with the national interest. It is tasked with tracking and recovering about 11,000 abandoned buildings owned by the Federal Government.
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