News
Reps Launch Probe Into Abandoned Federal Properties, Pledge Recovery of National Assets
By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has inaugurated an ad-hoc committee to investigate abandoned Federal Government properties and unused buildings scattered across the country, signalling a renewed determination to put an end to the neglect and decay of national assets.
The inauguration, held at the National Assembly on Tuesday, underscored the focus of the 10th House in promotingintegrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of public resources.
Speaker Abbas said the committee is saddled with the responsibility of identifying neglected federal properties, determining the reasons behind their abandonment, and recommending steps to recover and put them to productive use.
The Speaker, who was represented by the Chief Whip, Rep. Usman Bello Kumon, said the investigation covers the location, status, history, and current occupancy of all abandoned federal properties, alongside the policy failures that led to their abandonment.
Abbas tasked the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Daniel Amos, to be meticulous and fearless in identifying assets that have been left idle, mismanaged, encroached upon, or illegally acquired.
He emphasised that federal landed assets, from buildings to empty plots, must either be rehabilitated, converted to public use, or responsibly disposed of.
“We are committed to ensuring that no public property is left to decay or fall into neglect,. These facilities represent public wealth that must serve the country.
“The public expects honest findings and recommendations that will help the government stop waste and improve asset management. This responsibility calls for focus, patience, and a strong sense of national duty”, he said.
The Speaker also revealed plans for a long-term framework in partnership with the Executive to track, protect, and optimise federal properties nationwide.
Abbas urged the committee to engage ministries, agencies, host communities, and stakeholders, and vowed that the House will act on their recommendations.
“The 10th House will work with the Executive to establish a coordinated and transparent system for identifying, assessing, and restoring abandoned Federal Government properties.
“The eyes of the country are on you. Let your work reflect the expectations of Nigerians and inspire confidence in the legislative process”, added.
In his earlier remarks, Committee Chairman Rep. Amos reaffirmed the panel’s commitment to reclaiming and redeploying national assets that have been allowed to deteriorate across the country.
He noted that the task before the committee is both a national duty and a moral responsibility, pointing out that the many abandoned federal properties scattered nationwide amount to “lost opportunities” for development, housing, revenue generation, and wider public benefit.
Rep. Amos explained that the House has given the committee a clear timeline and a wide-ranging mandate to examine the state of these assets, recover them where necessary, and propose lasting reforms to improve how public properties are managed.
“This mandate is not merely administrative; it is a solemn responsibility to the Nigerian people, whose resources and heritage these assets represent,” he said.
He emphasised that the investigation would involve the full identification and verification of all abandoned federal landed properties across the country, with the aim of building a central, credible database, something Nigeria has never previously had.
Rep. Amos outlined the committee’s responsibilities, which include establishing a national inventory of abandoned assets; assessing the financial, economic, and developmental impact of their neglect; determining the MDAs responsible for each property; probing administrative, regulatory, and budgeting lapses; recommending recovery, rehabilitation, or productive reuse; and proposing long-term reforms to prevent future waste.
He added that the committee intends to deliver an evidence-based report within the allotted timeframe, ensuring that every recommendation supports national development and strengthens public accountability.
“Every abandoned property represents deferred development, lost revenue, and a diminishing of public trust. The work before us is not just technical, it is moral”, he stated.
The Chairman who pledged transparency, professionalism, and a “fidelity to public trust,” urged ministries, agencies, and stakeholders to cooperate fully.
Amos said the ultimate goal is to transform idle public properties into sources of growth rather than symbols of waste.
“Together, let us turn these dormant assets into engines of growth, sources of revenue, and symbols of renewed national stewardship,” he said.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has expressed sadness over the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris.
Idris, a former industrialist and two-term governor of Kogi State, reportedly died in the United Kingdom on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
In a condolence message, Enikanolaiye commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the Kogi State Government and people of the state, as well as his associates across the country.
The minister described the death as “unexpected” and urged Nigerians to draw consolation from the exemplary life Idris lived and the legacies he left behind as a man of peace committed to the good of all.
Enikanolaiye said Idris made significant contributions to business, public service and philanthropy, leaving behind projects that defined his tenure as governor.
He said: “The former industrialist has left very bold footmarks on the sand of time in business, public service, and philanthropy. The greater Lokoja water scheme, the international market, several roads and bridges, State Secretariat phase two, and construction of housing estates across the state, in addition to prompt payment of salaries are some of the legacies that defined his public service.
“He was a very tolerant leader and a voice of unity who saw humanity in all irrespective of creed, class, and tribe.
“For me at a personal and community level, it was the late Governor that put, for the very first time, asphalt on the only road that links my communities from Iyamoye through Igbagun to Isanlu in Yagba South East District which made access and movements easier for the people.
“I have been one of the direct beneficiaries of this transformative project. The road is now overdue for rehabilitation.
“This is one death too many. It is particularly sad that his death occurred at a time when his guidance and wealth of experience were highly required in this special general election season. Nigeria will miss him.
“No one can question the Almighty God, the owner of life. I wish the former governor, Al janah fridaus, and the family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
The minister prayed for strength for the family to bear what he described as an irreparable loss.
By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has congratulated First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu on her 66th birthday, describing her as the “Mother of the Nation”.
Kalu commended the First Lady for her service to the country, particularly her interventions aimed at empowering women, supporting families and vulnerable citizens, and investing in young Nigerians.
In a congratulatory message issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Deputy Speaker said Senator Tinubu’s leadership had reflected compassion and brought what he described as a profoundly human face to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He also praised her commitment to raising funds for the renovation and completion of the National Library of Nigeria, describing the initiative as symbolic of her vision for the future.
Kalu said: “Your Excellency, your life of service continues to demonstrate that leadership finds its highest expression in compassion. Through your interventions across the states of our federation, particularly your commitment to the empowerment of women, support for families and vulnerable citizens, and investment in the hopes and aspirations of young Nigerians, you have brought a profoundly human face to the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“Your remarkable commitment to raising funds for the renovation and completion of the National Library of Nigeria is especially symbolic of your vision for the future. A nation that invests in its libraries invests in the minds of its children”.
The Deputy Speaker further described Senator Tinubu as a source of inspiration to emerging leaders, praising her humility, quiet strength and graciousness in office.
“At 66, we celebrate not only the gift of your life, but the countless lives that have been enriched by your generosity of spirit and commitment to service,” Kalu said.
He prayed for continued strength, sound health and wisdom for the First Lady.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has congratulated the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, describing her as a “great mobiliser and unifier”.
In a congratulatory message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, on Saturday, Abbas described the First Lady as a dependable spouse, partner and ally to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Speaker commended her “indefatigable spirit” and high level of patriotism, saying she remained an inspiration to Nigerian women.
He also acknowledged her experience in public administration and women mobilisation, describing her as an experienced political, religious and woman leader.
Abbas praised her resilience in supporting not only the President but also the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noting her influence at the grassroots and her efforts to complement the actualisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Speaker wished the First Lady many more years in sound body and mind, while praying for the success of her husband in the forthcoming presidential election.
Enikanolaiye Mourns ex-Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris
Kalu hails Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Praises Support for Women, Vulnerable Nigerians
Abbas Hails Oluremi Tinubu @66, Praises Her as ‘Great Mobilise, Unifier’
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