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By Tracy Moses
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has called for the National Assembly to assume full control of its infrastructure from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), describing the move as vital for strengthening democratic governance and reinforcing the doctrine of separation of powers.
Represented by the Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa JC, at a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the National Assembly Infrastructure and Property Development Agency, the Speaker said the proposed legislation is both “timely and essential” to ensure dedicated management of the legislature’s assets and facilities.
“This bill does not seek to scrap the Directorate of Estate and Works,” Abbas clarified. “Rather, it aims to transfer the relevant responsibilities currently vested in the FCDA to a specialized agency under the direct control of the National Assembly. This would guarantee better attention, professional oversight, and enhanced accountability.”
The Speaker lamented the negative impact of prolonged external oversight on the Assembly’s infrastructure, including delays in maintenance, operational inefficiencies, and safety risks. He emphasized that a dedicated agency would enable strategic planning, proactive maintenance, and transparent procurement processes, ultimately reducing costs and improving the working environment for lawmakers and staff.
He explained that the envisioned agency would be responsible for the development, management, and preservation of all National Assembly infrastructure, including mechanical and structural systems, liaison offices, and the architectural identity of the legislature. The scope would extend to affiliated institutions such as the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), the National Assembly Service Commission, and the National Assembly Library Trust Fund.
Citing global models such as the Architect of the Capitol in the United States and the UK’s Parliamentary Estates Directorate, Abbas noted that legislative infrastructure management is best handled independently to safeguard institutional autonomy and efficiency.
The proposed agency, he added, would operate under a robust governance structure involving presiding officers, key committee chairpersons, the Clerk to the National Assembly, and technical professionals. It would also submit regular reports to the House and Senate Committees on Services to ensure oversight and accountability.
“This initiative goes beyond physical infrastructure,” Abbas remarked. “It is a statement of our collective commitment to institutional independence, good governance, and public service delivery.”
Also speaking at the hearing, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barr. Kamoru Ogunlana, echoed the need for a shift in infrastructure oversight. He argued that while the FCDA is statutorily responsible for managing public buildings in the Federal Capital Territory, including the National Assembly and the Supreme Court, such an arrangement conflicts with democratic principles.
He further highlighted inconsistencies in the current setup, noting that while the Abuja legislative complex is managed by the FCT Minister, properties owned by the National Assembly in Lagos fall under the purview of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation—a situation he described as “untenable.”
However, Ogunlana cautioned that establishing a new agency could increase the cost of governance. As an alternative, he suggested that its proposed functions be absorbed by the existing Directorate of Estate and Works.
Chairman of the House Committee overseeing the legislative process, Hon. Amos Daniel, said the public hearing marked a critical step toward institutional autonomy. He stressed that it was inappropriate for an executive arm like the FCDA to maintain control over legislative infrastructure.
“This bill seeks to correct that imbalance,” he stated. “It aims to bolster legislative independence, improve operational efficiency, and align our practices with international best standards.”
One of the bill’s lead sponsors, Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, reaffirmed that the proposed agency would oversee the development, maintenance, and operation of all properties belonging to the National Assembly nationwide. He described the existing arrangement as a violation of the principle of separation of powers.
“The agency will ensure that all facilities, ranging from chambers and offices to parking areas and recreational spaces, are adequately maintained and conducive for legislative business,” Ago said.