Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called on the National Assembly to assume full control of its infrastructure from the Federal Capital Development Authority, describing the move as significant for strengthening democratic governance.
He stated this on Monday at a public hearing in Abuja regarding a bill that seeks to establish the National Assembly Infrastructure and Property Development Agency.
Represented by the House Minority Whip, Ali Isa, the Speaker said the proposed legislation is both “timely and essential” to ensure dedicated management of the legislature’s assets and facilities.
He said, “This bill does not seek to scrap the Directorate of Estate and Works. Rather, it aims to transfer the relevant responsibilities currently vested in the FCDA to a specialised 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. According to him, a dedicated agency would enhance strategic planning, proactive maintenance, and transparent procurement processes, ultimately reducing costs and improving the working environment for lawmakers and staff.
He noted that the proposed agency, if established, 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, the National Assembly Service Commission, and the National Assembly Library Trust Fund,” he added.
Citing global models such as the Architect of the Capitol in the United States and the United Kingdom’s Parliamentary Estates Directorate, the Speaker 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.”
In his contribution, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, reiterated 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 development 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 Estates and Works.
The Chairman of the House Committee overseeing the legislative process, Amos Daniel, described the public hearing as 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. It aims to bolster legislative independence, improve operational efficiency, and align our practices with international best standards,” he said.
