In a move designed to address rising concerns over the handling of public assets within the railway sector, the House of Representatives Committee on Land Transport has issued a directive to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and its real estate subsidiary, the Railway Property Management Company Ltd. The directive mandates an immediate suspension of all ongoing and future sales and lease agreements concerning railway properties across the country. This suspension will remain in effect pending the conclusion of a legislative investigation into serious allegations of procedural violations, unauthorized transactions, and the eviction of both staff and retirees from official quarters.
The chairperson of the committee, Rep. Blessing Onuh (APC-Benue), made this announcement in a press statement released on Thursday in Abuja following a meeting with key stakeholders in the transportation and housing sectors. According to Rep. Onuh, the decision stems from numerous petitions submitted to the committee, raising red flags over potentially fraudulent activities within the NRC’s property management practices.
Wide-Ranging Complaints Spark Legislative Action
The committee has been inundated with disturbing claims surrounding questionable lease agreements—some reportedly spanning between 25 and 75 years—along with reports of unauthorized sales of government land, and the controversial displacement of active and retired staff from long-standing residential quarters. These transactions appear to involve NRC-owned properties spread across a significant number of states, including Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, Osun, Oyo, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Borno, and Zamfara.
Rep. Onuh emphasized that the current probe was launched in response to these troubling reports and seeks to ensure transparency, due diligence, and strict adherence to public service ethics in the management of national assets. She reiterated that such actions, if left unchecked, could undermine the Federal Government’s broader efforts to rebuild and modernize the railway system under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Constitutional Backing for Legislative Oversight
The committee’s intervention falls under the purview of Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which authorize the National Assembly to investigate the activities of public institutions, particularly in cases where mismanagement or corruption is suspected. Acting on this constitutional mandate, the House Committee on Land Transport has launched a formal inquiry to examine all recent real estate transactions conducted by the NRC and its affiliated property company.
In her statement, Rep. Onuh explained, “The committee is in receipt of several petitions concerning the indiscriminate sales and leases of NRC properties. There are also serious concerns over the forced eviction of staff and pensioners, which raises alarm about the legality and morality of these transactions.”
She added that the committee will ensure that all processes involving public property transactions strictly comply with the law and reflect accountability, equity, and transparency in the public interest.
Immediate Suspension and Caution Against Premature Deals
Pending the conclusion of the investigation, the committee has unequivocally instructed the NRC and the Railway Property Management Company to halt any further activity related to the leasing or selling of railway assets. This includes any properties currently under negotiation, no matter their status in the approval pipeline.
Rep. Onuh cautioned both agencies to refrain from any actions that could potentially compromise the credibility of the investigative process or obstruct parliamentary oversight. “We expect full compliance and cooperation from the NRC and all related bodies,” she warned. “Any attempt to circumvent this directive or engage in last-minute deals will be treated as a deliberate act of sabotage against the legislature and the Nigerian people.”
Committee’s Goal: Transparent and Fair Management of National Assets
The committee’s ongoing investigation aims to uncover any violations of existing public asset management protocols and determine whether there was a breach of public trust or misuse of authority. Findings from the probe will not only inform future policy decisions but may also prompt sanctions or legal action against individuals or entities found to have engaged in illegal or unethical practices.
Rep. Onuh noted that the House of Representatives, through its Land Transport Committee, remains firmly committed to protecting national assets from exploitation and ensuring that the Nigerian railway system is managed in a way that supports long-term national development goals.
Broader Implications for the Railway Sector
The probe comes at a critical time when Nigeria is investing heavily in revitalizing its rail infrastructure as part of a broader strategy to decongest roads, enhance mobility, and stimulate economic growth. Mismanagement of railway property, particularly through unauthorized sales or unfair leases, undermines this vision and could discourage future investments in the sector.
Additionally, the reported eviction of pensioners and long-serving staff has raised significant public concern, especially in a nation where social welfare systems are limited. Lawmakers have emphasized the need for humane treatment of those who have dedicated their careers to public service and called for a full review of all evictions carried out in recent years.
Next Steps: Public Hearings and Stakeholder Engagements
As part of its probe, the committee is expected to conduct public hearings involving all relevant stakeholders, including representatives of the NRC, the Railway Property Management Company, affected staff and retirees, civil society organizations, and legal experts. These hearings will serve to gather evidence, listen to testimonies, and formulate a comprehensive understanding of the scope and impact of the alleged misconduct.
The committee has assured the public that it will conduct the investigation with fairness, impartiality, and thoroughness, and will recommend appropriate reforms to prevent future abuses in the management of government-owned properties.
A Strong Signal from the Legislature
This latest intervention by the House of Representatives sends a strong message about the importance of accountability in public service. It also reinforces the legislature’s role as a watchdog institution, ensuring that state-owned assets are not commodified or sold off in ways that neglect the public interest.
In conclusion, the suspension of railway property transactions reflects a broader commitment to governance reforms and transparent asset management in Nigeria. As the investigation unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely, hoping that the outcome will lead to a more responsible and equitable administration of the country’s vital infrastructure.
