Isaac Samuel
The House of Representatives has begun legislative processes to establish a dedicated agency responsible for managing the infrastructure and properties of the National Assembly.
The proposed law, currently undergoing public hearing, is aimed at strengthening the legislature’s independence and enhancing its operational efficiency.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, who declared the public hearing open on Monday in Abuja, said the bill seeks to create a statutory agency that would oversee the development, maintenance, and preservation of the National Assembly complex and related facilities across the country.
Describing the bill as both timely and strategic, Abbas said it would correct the current anomaly where the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), an executive agency, manages parliamentary infrastructure, contrary to the principle of separation of powers.
He said the new agency would take charge of all assets within the National Assembly’s domain, including offices, chambers, fitness centres, liaison offices, and facilities belonging to the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), and the Library Trust Fund.
Citing global best practices, Abbas referenced the Architect of the Capitol in the United States and the Parliamentary Estates Agency in the United Kingdom both examples of legislative bodies independently managing their infrastructure.
“The agency will manage every aspect of our buildings and precincts, including structural maintenance, mechanical services, liaison offices, and the preservation of our architectural heritage. Its scope will extend to all agencies under the National Assembly.
“This is not an isolated idea. In the U.S., the Architect of the Capitol has managed the Capitol Complex since the 18th century. In the U.K., the Parliamentary Estates Agency performs a similar role. These models underscore the importance of a legislature managing its own facilities to ensure greater independence and accountability”, he said.
He added that the agency would have a defined governance structure, with its board comprising presiding officers, relevant committee chairmen, the Clerk to the National Assembly, and professionals with technical expertise.
Abbas noted that the current fragmented management system has led to delays, safety concerns, and inefficiencies over the years.
Chairman of the House Committee on House Services and co-sponsor of the bill, Amos Daniel, described the initiative as a major step toward institutional maturity, insisting that the National Assembly can no longer rely on executive bodies for its core operational needs.
Daniel noted that similar models exist across Africa, including in South Africa and Kenya, where independent agencies manage parliamentary assets, thereby reinforcing legislative autonomy.
Also speaking, co-sponsor of the bill, Daniel Asama Ago, said the proposed agency would be responsible for construction, repairs, and optimal use of National Assembly facilities nationwide.
“This bill seeks to correct the current breach in administrative structure and operational management. It reflects our commitment to strengthening legislative governance and ensuring our infrastructure mirrors the critical work done within these walls,” Ago said.
