Reps advance bill to give national assembly control of own infrastructure

…to end FCDA oversight

The Federal House of Representatives has advanced a bill that will grant the National Assembly full control over its physical infrastructure, and end oversight by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

The Bill, which has scaled second reading, proposed the establishment of a dedicated agency to manage all physical assets belonging to the National Assembly and its affiliates, including the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), the National Assembly Service Commission, and the Library Trust Fund.

The agency’s governance structure, according to the bill, will include the presiding officers of both Chambers, relevant Committee chairmen, the Clerk to the National Assembly, and technical professionals. It will report to the Senate and House Committees on Services to ensure transparency and alignment with legislative priorities.

Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, said the proposed legislation would help safeguard legislative independence, enhance operational efficiency, and reinforce the principle of separation of powers.

The Speaker, represented by Ali Isa, the Minority Whip, made the remarks at a public hearing on the bill to establish the National Assembly Infrastructure and Property Development Agency on Monday.

“This bill does not aim to replace the existing Directorate of Estate and Works. Rather, it rightly transfers responsibilities currently handled by the FCDA to the National Assembly, where they belong. This ensures that maintenance and development receive the priority and professionalism they deserve”, teh Speaker clarified.

The Speaker cited years of delays, safety concerns and inefficiencies under FCDA oversight, arguing that a dedicated agency would introduce long-term planning, preventive maintenance, and more transparent procurement procedures, ultimately resulting in cost savings and improved working conditions.

“A National Assembly that manages its facilities well is better equipped to serve the people”, he said.

Also speaking at the hearing, Kamoru Ogunlana, Clerk to the National Assembly, backed the bill. He noted that while the FCDA currently maintains the Abuja complex, the National Assembly’s Lagos facility falls under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, an arrangement he described as inconsistent and unacceptable.

Ogunlana, however warned that creating a standalone agency could raise the cost of governance and suggested that the proposed functions might instead be integrated into the existing Directorate of Estate and Works.

The bill’s lead sponsor, Daniel Ago, argued that legislative infrastructure should not be under the purview of an executive agency. He said the proposal aims to correct a constitutional imbalance that undermines the doctrine of separation of powers.

“The agency will manage all buildings and facilities, from offices and chambers to health centres and garages, ensuring they are efficiently maintained and contribute to a productive legislative process,” Ago said.

Amos Daniel, Chairman of the House Committee overseeing the bill argued that it was inappropriate for an executive body like the FCDA to continue managing infrastructure for a co-equal arm of government.

“This bill seeks to correct that anomaly”, he said.