By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has advised the Federal Government to renovate and convert permanently forfeited lands and buildings into offices for Federal Government Agencies operating from rented offices.
This was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Rep. Esosa Iyawe, on the “Call to Convert Seized Properties of Offices for Public Use”, on Wednesday at plenary.
Debating the motion, Rep. Iyawe stated that there are reports that over 50 assets confiscated from politically exposed persons, as well as civil servants, and other individuals are presently un-utilized, while many MDAs have challenge of office accommodation.
He said, “Asset recovery is a powerful but underutilized tool against domestic and international corruption, and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act provides a robust legal framework for managing and recovering such proceeds.
“The Federal Government, through a Directorate, has the power to allocate permanently forfeited property to security and other government agencies.
“In a bid to reduce high expenditure on rent and office buildings in 2017, the Federal Government converted landed properties seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for office use by some Agencies of Government, thus saving the country about N180 billion.”
“Government Agencies operating in States across the country are experiencing challenges in finding office accommodation due to difficulties in paying rent.
“Also, concerned that reports have revealed that over 50 assets confiscated from politically exposed persons, civil servants, and other individuals are currently unoccupied and rotting away”.
The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandate the Committee on Public Assets to ensure compliance.