Abuja, Nigeria
The House of Representatives has directed the formation of a special ad hoc committee to investigate federal government properties and buildings left abandoned or underutilized across Nigeria, with an estimated value of ₦20 trillion.
The move followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) during Wednesday’s plenary. Chinda described the situation as a “colossal waste of public resources” and urged lawmakers to take urgent action.
Citing a 2021 survey by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Chinda revealed that approximately 11,866 federal properties and buildings have been abandoned nationwide. He noted that about 63 percent of federal projects since independence remain incomplete or deserted.
Among the properties highlighted were the Federal Secretariat Complex in Ikoyi, Lagos; Millennium Tower, Abuja; Nigeria International Hotel, Suleja; NIPOST Headquarters, Abuja; FIRS Headquarters, Abia State; Nigerian Newsprint Manufacturing Company, Kaduna; Nigerian Aluminium Smelting Company, Delta State; and Livestock Multiplication and Milk Processing Centres in Adamawa and Taraba states.
Chinda also raised concerns about the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC), established in 2000 under President Olusegun Obasanjo to monitor abandoned projects. He said the committee has yet to submit an official report, which could compromise accountability and delay corrective measures.
“The prolonged neglect, coupled with inflation and deterioration of engineering designs, has significantly reduced the value of these assets,” Chinda said. He recommended that public-private partnerships (PPPs) be considered to rehabilitate some properties and prevent further losses.
The motion called for the ad hoc committee to review PIC reports, verify the status of abandoned properties since 2000, and recommend measures for restoration, sale, or repurposing. The committee is expected to submit its findings within six weeks.
The House adopted the motion unanimously through a voice vote presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The committee will be chaired by Daniel Amos, with Lanre Oladebo as deputy. Other members include Godwin Offiono, Tijani Mohammad, Abiola Makinde, Rodney Ambaiowei, Ghali Mustapha, Ibrahim Bukar, Jafaru Leko, Obed Shehu, Felix Nwoke, Jesse Okey-Joe, Ahmadu Jaha, Akanni Clement, Rahis Abdulkadir, and Muhammed Ibrahim.
Experts say the investigation could unlock significant economic value and improve public accountability if properly executed. They argue that decades of abandoned federal properties represent lost opportunities to generate revenue, create jobs, and improve infrastructure.
Observers warn, however, that the success of the probe will depend on the committee’s independence, transparency, and the government’s willingness to implement recommendations. Without strong follow-through, some fear the investigation could end like previous audits of abandoned projects with limited results.
The committee’s work is being closely watched by Nigerians, many of whom hope it will mark a turning point in addressing the chronic problem of underutilized federal assets. A thorough audit and transparent action plan could set a precedent for future public asset management and recover billions in otherwise wasted national resources.
House of Representatives to Investigate ₦20 Trillion Worth of Neglected Federal Properties Across Nigeria
