The Lagos State House of Assembly has inaugurated an eight-member Ad Hoc Committee mandated to identify, document and recover all documented and undocumented properties belonging to the Lagos State government.

Chaired by Obafemi Saheed, the panel has already begun interfacing with key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to audit government property and ensure public resources are fully accounted for.

Other Assembly members serving on the panel include Jubreel Abdulkareem, Olayinka Kazeem, Samuel Apata,  Sobur Oluwa and Bonu Solomon.

Speaking at the committee’s sitting on Friday, Saheed emphasised that the initiative aligns with the legislature’s mandate to maintain strict oversight, monitor the deployment of public funds and ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayers’ money.

“The exercise will enable the committee to establish the assets owned by the state, assess their current status and determine whether they are being effectively utilised for the benefit of Lagos residents,” Saheed stated.

The lawmaker issued a strong directive to outstanding MDAs to turn in all requested documentation without delay and adhere strictly to their scheduled appearances.

He warned that the committee would not tolerate non-compliance or disrespect from any official.

“The committee has the power to subpoena anyone and can seek House approval to issue a warrant of arrest for recalcitrant persons,” he warned.

Several government entities have already appeared before the panel to present their records. Among them are the Lagos State New Towns Development Authority (NTDA), Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Lagos State Ferry Services, Lagos State Printing Corporation and the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture.

Education and employment portfolios, including the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Ministry of Tertiary Education and Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment alongside agricultural bodies such as the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority and the Lagos State Agriculture Input Supply Authority, have also made submissions.

During the sessions, lawmakers directed agency heads to provide exhaustive records covering all fixed and physical assets currently under their control.