The House of Representatives has summoned officials of the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to appear before a sub-committee investigating the management of seized, forfeited and recovered assets across the country.
The five agencies are expected to appear before the sub-committee on 2 November 2026 as lawmakers move to audit recovered assets, establish a unified digital registry and strengthen transparency and accountability in their management.
The chairman of the sub-committee, Ibe Okwara Osonwa, who represents Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State, announced the date during the committee’s inaugural meeting in Abuja.
Osonwa described the assignment as an important national responsibility, noting that the management, disposal and utilisation of recovered assets had remained subjects of public concern and institutional scrutiny under successive administrations.
“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,” he said.
He stressed that the concerns went beyond administrative shortcomings, warning that they had implications for public trust, institutional credibility and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
“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,” the lawmaker said.
He explained that the sub-committee had been mandated to conduct a comprehensive audit to establish a clear and verifiable record of all seized, forfeited and recovered assets held or managed by relevant government agencies.
A central part of the exercise, he added, would be the creation of a unified digital registry to provide real-time visibility into recovered assets, eliminate duplication of records and improve coordination among agencies responsible for their recovery and management.
The committee will also examine existing accountability mechanisms and recommend reforms that align with international best practices, comply with relevant laws and restore public confidence in the asset recovery process.
“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,” Osonwa said.
He emphasised that recovered assets must deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians rather than become entangled in opaque or poorly coordinated management systems.
“Our work can help ensure that recovered assets truly serve the public interest — whether through restitution, reinvestment, or national development priorities,” he added.
Following a motion moved by Omosede Igbinedion and supported by other members, the chairman confirmed 2 November as the date for the five agencies to appear before the panel.
“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,” he said.
Osonwa urged members of the sub-committee to approach the assignment with diligence, objectivity and a shared sense of purpose, expressing confidence that their work would produce practical recommendations to close accountability gaps, improve transparency and ensure the responsible management of recovered assets in Nigeria.
