A heated dispute erupted on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday as lawmakers debated which committee should take charge of investigating the alleged irregular allocation and management of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.
The debate was sparked by a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Ademorin Kuye, who called for an investigation into the purported illegal sale of government assets at the Trade Fair Complex.
Kuye, who also chairs the House Committee on Public Assets, proposed that his committee be tasked with the probe.
However, the motion was immediately challenged by Hon. Francis Waive, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, who argued that oversight of the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Commerce.
Waive’s Point of Order set the stage for a contentious debate, with lawmakers divided over which committee has the proper mandate.
Supporting Kuye, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, invoked Order 109, Rule 1 & 2 of the House Standing Rules, which grants the Committee on Public Assets oversight over all government property.
“The Lagos Trade Fair Complex is federal property,” Gagdi asserted. “Order 109 clearly states that the Committee on Public Assets oversees ministries and agencies charged with the management and disposal of public assets.”
On the other hand, Hon. Mark Esset argued that the Trade Fair Complex should be overseen by the Committee on Commerce.
“This is not just about public assets being sold; it is a commercial entity. The House Rules on page 153 explicitly assign such matters to the Committee on Commerce. If the House made a previous error, it can correct it,” he said.
Deputy Minority Leader Hon. Ali Isa proposed a compromise, recommending the formation of a joint committee with Commerce in the lead, supported by Public Assets and other relevant committees. His motion, however, was rejected by the House.
Further contributing to the debate, Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, emphasised that Public Assets should lead the investigation because the matter concerns federal property, while Commerce could provide support due to the trade-related activities on the premises.
“Since the issue involves the ownership and possible sale of federal land, Public Assets should take the lead,” he said.
The disagreement highlighted the complexities of committee oversight in the House, particularly when an issue intersects both public property management and commercial operations.
The matter remained unresolved as lawmakers continue to negotiate which committee will take primary responsibility.
