…begin probe into management of seized and forfeited properties, plan digital registry
By Gloria Ikibah 
The House of Representatives has summoned the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) over the management of seized, forfeited and recovered assets.
The five agencies are expected to appear before the House Sub-Committee on Public Assets on November 2, 2026, as part of efforts to audit recovered assets and establish a unified digital registry for improved transparency and accountability.
The committee’s chairman, Rep. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, announced the date during its inaugural meeting in Abuja.
Rep. Osonwa, who represents Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State, said the exercise was necessary amid persistent concerns over the transparency of asset recovery processes, coordination among government agencies and the disposal of recovered properties.
“Across various administrations, questions have persisted regarding transparency, coordination, and the integrity of processes governing assets seized or forfeited through anti-corruption efforts, criminal justice actions, and administrative enforcement.
“These concerns are not merely technical—they strike at the heart of public trust, institutional credibility, and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture,” he said.
According to him, the committee will conduct a comprehensive audit to establish a clear and verifiable record of assets held or managed by relevant government institutions.
The proposed digital registry is expected to improve documentation, facilitate information-sharing among agencies and enable the tracking of recovered assets from seizure to custody, management, disposal or transfer for public use.
Osonwa said the committee would also review existing accountability mechanisms and recommend reforms to address weaknesses in the system.
He stressed that recovered assets should be managed in ways that benefit Nigerians.
“The sub-committee has the opportunity to recommend reforms that will close long-standing loopholes, modernise asset management systems, and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship.
“Our work can help ensure that recovered assets truly serve the public interest—whether through restitution, reinvestment, or national development priorities,” he added.
The November 2 appearance date followed a motion moved by Rep. Omosede Igbinedion and supported by other committee members.
Confirming the summons, Osonwa said: “Motion has been moved and motion has been supported, so we expect all these agencies: Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Police and NMDPRA, and see them here on the 2nd of November.”
The agencies are expected to provide details of their roles in asset seizure and recovery, as well as their procedures for documenting, safeguarding and accounting for such properties.
Osonwa urged committee members to approach the assignment with diligence and objectivity, expressing confidence that it would strengthen inter-agency coordination and promote accountability in the management of recovered assets.
