There was a heated session at the House of Representatives on Tuesday as lawmakers engaged in a shouting match over which committee should probe the alleged irregular sale and allocations of federal government assets at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.
The uproar began when a motion of urgent public importance was raised by Hon. Ademorin Kuye, representing Somolu Federal Constituency of Lagos State. Kuye had called on the House to investigate reports of illegal sales and allocations of sections of the Trade Fair Complex by individuals and firms without proper government authorization.
In his submission, Kuye proposed that the investigation be handled by the House Committee on Public Assets, citing that the issue falls under its mandate since it concerns the disposal and management of federal assets. “The International Trade Fair Complex is a federal property, and the alleged sale and allocation directly involve public assets,” he said.
However, his proposal was immediately challenged by the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Francis Waive, who insisted that the matter should be referred to the Committee on Commerce. Waive argued that the Trade Fair Complex operates as a commercial entity, thus falling within the jurisdiction of the Commerce Committee as stated in the House Standing Orders.
The disagreement quickly escalated into a rowdy debate, as members of both committees defended their claims of jurisdiction. Lawmakers in support of Kuye maintained that the case concerns “the management and disposal of public assets,” which is a clear responsibility of the Public Assets Committee. But those siding with Waive countered that “trade fair operations are business-related matters,” and hence should be under Commerce.
Efforts to calm the situation were made by several lawmakers, including Hon. Ali Isa J.C., who suggested a joint committee approach, allowing both Committees on Commerce and Public Assets to work together. Another member, Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, supported this idea but proposed that the Committee on Public Assets take the lead, given the gravity of the allegations involving government property.
The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, Hon. James Shaibu, opposed the proposal, noting that his committee had already conducted oversight visits to the Lagos Trade Fair Complex earlier this year and was familiar with the ongoing management issues there. He described any transfer of the probe to Public Assets as unnecessary duplication.
As tensions rose, the Deputy Speaker, who presided over the plenary, intervened to restore decorum. He clarified that the controversy stemmed from the overlapping jurisdictions of both committees, since the matter touches on both ownership and commercial operations of a federal facility.
In a bid to reach a compromise, the presiding officer proposed the creation of an ad-hoc committee comprising members from both Committees on Public Assets and Commerce to jointly investigate the matter. However, when the motion was put to a voice vote, it was rejected, leading to another round of heated exchanges among lawmakers.
The session eventually degenerated into a rowdy atmosphere, forcing the House to dissolve into an executive (closed-door) session to settle the impasse.
The International Trade Fair Complex, situated along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, remains one of the federal government’s major commercial assets, hosting thousands of businesses and traders. Allegations of illegal sale and allocation of sections of the complex have persisted for years, with several stakeholders accusing government officials and private interests of underhanded deals.
Observers say the current controversy at the House underscores the long-standing concerns over transparency and accountability in the management of federal assets. As one lawmaker noted off-record, “What’s at stake is not just jurisdiction — it’s control over how federal properties are sold, leased, or privatized in Nigeria.”
The House is expected to revisit the matter in its next sitting, as Nigerians await clarity on who will lead the probe and whether the alleged irregularities at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex will finally be addressed.