President Bola Tinubu has dissolved the 26-year-old Federal Government Property Committee (FGPC), transferring its responsibilities to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). The decision, announced in a statement by the Presidency, is part of broader efforts to streamline government operations and eliminate bureaucratic redundancies.
End of an Era for the Property Committee
The FGPC was established in 1998 to oversee the management, maintenance, and disposal of federal government properties across Nigeria. Over its tenure, the committee handled a portfolio of more than 1,200 properties, including office complexes, residential estates, and land holdings. However, inefficiencies and overlapping functions with other agencies led to repeated calls for reform.
Transfer of Powers to the AGF
According to the presidential directive, all powers and functions of the dissolved committee now reside with the Attorney General of the Federation. The AGF’s office will oversee property inventory, valuation, leasing, and sales, with a mandate to ensure transparency and accountability. “This move consolidates property management under a single authority, eliminating duplication and reducing administrative costs,” the statement said.
“The President has approved the dissolution of the Federal Government Property Committee with immediate effect,” the statement read, adding that the reform is expected to save the government an estimated N3.5 billion annually in administrative expenses.
Implications for Federal Property Management
Critics had long argued that the FGPC operated with limited oversight, leading to allegations of mismanagement and under-valuation of assets. By centralizing authority under the AGF, the administration aims to improve oversight and maximize returns on government properties. The Attorney General will be required to submit quarterly reports to the President on property transactions.
The reform comes amid a broader push by President Tinubu to shrink the size of government and cut waste. Similar committees in other sectors, such as the Privatization Council, have also been reviewed as part of a comprehensive audit of government agencies.
Reactions and Next Steps
Legal experts have welcomed the move, noting that the AGF’s office already has the constitutional mandate to handle government assets. “This is a long-overdue rationalization,” said Dr. Kemi Adebayo, a professor of public administration. “It aligns property management with the broader legal framework of government.”
All FGPC staff are to be redeployed within the federal civil service, while pending property transactions will be transferred to the AGF’s office. The government has assured that no property sales or leases will be disrupted during the transition.
