The House of Representatives has taken steps to take away the operation, management, development, maintenance, and preservation of the National Assembly (NASS) Complex and all legislative property away from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
This is as the Green Chamber is considering the National Assembly Infrastructure and Property Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2025, jointly sponsored by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen (APC, Kaduna) and two others.
The bill seeks to establish an agency charged with operating, managing, developing, maintaining, and preserving the National Assembly Complex, all property of the National Assembly, and its agencies across the country.
At the public hearing on the bill, Abbas emphasised the need for the National Assembly to assume full control of its infrastructure from FCDA to strengthen democratic governance and uphold the principle of separation of powers.
Represented at the event held at the National Assembly yesterday by the minority whip, Hon. Ali Isa, the Speaker described the legislation as timely and necessary to safeguard and maintain the integrity of the National Assembly Complex and its assets nationwide.
“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,” he said.
Abbas lamented the consequences of external control over the years, including delayed repairs, safety concerns, and inefficiencies. He said a dedicated agency would introduce long-term planning, preventive maintenance, and transparent procurement, leading to cost savings and improved work conditions.
The speaker explained that the new agency would oversee all aspects of the National Assembly’s physical infrastructure — from structural maintenance and mechanical services to liaison offices and the preservation of architectural heritage.
Abbas said the agency’s scope would cover institutions such as the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), the National Assembly Service Commission, and the Library Trust Fund.
He cited international precedents, noting that in the United States, the Architect of the Capitol has managed the Capitol Complex since the 18th century, while the UK Parliament operates through the Parliamentary Estates Agency.
“These models reinforce the idea that a legislature in control of its facilities is stronger and more independent.
“More than just infrastructure, this bill reflects our commitment to accountability, efficiency, and excellence. A National Assembly that manages its facilities well is better equipped to serve the people.”
The clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, supported the bill but pointed out that the FCDA currently has statutory responsibility for public infrastructure in the FCT, including the National Assembly and Supreme Court complexes, saying the arrangement is detrimental to democratic practice.
He noted that while the Abuja complex remains under the FCT minister, the National Assembly’s Lagos facility is under the Office of the secretary to the government of the federation, which he described as unacceptable.
However, Ogunlana cautioned that creating a new agency could increase the cost of governance, and suggested that its functions be housed within the existing Estate and Works Directorate.
The chairman of the House Service Committee handling the bill, Hon. Amos Daniel, said it is inappropriate for the FCDA, an executive agency, to continue managing infrastructure for the National Assembly, a co-equal arm of government.
“This bill seeks to correct that anomaly,” he said. “It will not only strengthen legislative independence but also enhance operational efficiency and align Nigeria with global best practices.”
