RismadarVoice Reporters
October 28, 2026
The House of Representatives has summoned five federal agencies to appear before its Sub-Committee on Public Assets on November 2, 2026, as part of an investigation into the management of seized, forfeited and recovered government assets.
The affected agencies are the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Chairman of the sub-committee, Ibe Okwara Osonwa, who represents Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State, announced the summons during the committee’s inaugural meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
Osonwa explained that the investigation was intended to establish a comprehensive inventory of recovered assets, examine existing management procedures and strengthen accountability across government institutions.
According to him, concerns have persisted over the documentation, custody, valuation and disposal of assets recovered through law enforcement operations, criminal proceedings and other statutory processes.
He warned that weaknesses in the management of such properties could undermine public confidence in government institutions and Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
The lawmaker said the committee would examine the location, condition, ownership and utilisation of recovered assets to determine whether government records accurately reflect their status.
He also disclosed plans to develop a unified digital registry that would improve information-sharing among agencies and make it easier to track recovered properties from seizure to final disposal or restitution.
The proposed system is expected to address discrepancies associated with fragmented record-keeping and strengthen oversight of assets under government custody.
Osonwa said the committee would review existing accountability mechanisms and recommend reforms consistent with relevant laws and international standards.
The investigation follows an earlier House resolution calling for a comprehensive audit of assets seized, forfeited or recovered by government institutions since May 29, 1999.
Such assets may include cash, vehicles, vessels, petroleum products, landed properties and other valuables obtained through lawful recovery processes.
The November 2 appearance was scheduled following a motion moved by Omosede Igbinedion and supported by other committee members.
Representatives of the five agencies are expected to provide information about their asset recovery responsibilities, documentation procedures and management arrangements.
Osonwa urged committee members to conduct the investigation objectively and ensure that its findings produce practical recommendations.
He maintained that recovered assets should be properly accounted for and managed in ways that serve the public interest.
The committee’s findings are expected to guide further legislative recommendations on transparency, inter-agency coordination and the management of recovered public assets.
