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 its sub-committee investigating the management of seized, forfeited and recovered assets in Nigeria.
The agencies are expected to appear before the sub-committee on November 2, 2026, as part of efforts to conduct a comprehensive audit, create a unified digital registry and strengthen accountability in the management of assets recovered through law enforcement and other statutory processes.
The chairman of the sub-committee, Hon. 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 assignment”, noting that the management, disposal and utilisation of recovered assets had remained subjects of public concern and institutional scrutiny across successive administrations.
He said, “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.”
According to him, the concerns extend beyond administrative procedures, as they affect 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,” he said.
The lawmaker explained that the sub-committee had been mandated to undertake a comprehensive audit to establish a clear and verifiable record of all seized, forfeited and recovered assets held or managed by relevant government agencies.
He added that another key objective was to develop a unified digital registry that would provide real-time visibility into recovered assets, eliminate unnecessary duplication of records and improve coordination among the agencies involved in asset recovery and management.
Osonwa further said the committee would examine existing accountability mechanisms and recommend a framework that aligns with global best practices, complies with relevant laws and strengthens 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,” he said.
He added, “Our work can help ensure that recovered assets truly serve the public interest—whether through restitution, reinvestment, or national development priorities.”
Following a motion moved by Hon. Omosede Igbinedion and supported by other members, Osonwa announced November 2 as the date for the five agencies to appear before the sub-committee.
“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.
The chairman urged members to approach the assignment with diligence, objectivity and a shared sense of purpose, expressing confidence that their collective expertise would help produce practical and far-reaching recommendations to improve transparency, accountability and the responsible management of recovered assets in Nigeria.
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