By Sodiq Omolaoye, Abuja

The House of Representatives has commenced legislative processes to establish a dedicated agency to manage the infrastructure and properties of the National Assembly.

The move is aimed at strengthening the institution’s independence and improving operational efficiency.

Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, while declaring open the public hearing on the bill in Abuja on Monday, stated that the proposed legislation aims to establish a statutory body responsible for the development, maintenance, and preservation of the National Assembly complex and related assets nationwide.

Describing the bill as both timely and strategic, Abbas said the proposed agency would correct the current anomaly where the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) manages legislative infrastructure, a situation he argued runs contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers.

The proposed agency, according to him, would oversee all structures under the National Assembly’s domain, including offices, chambers, fitness facilities, liaison offices, and assets belonging to agencies such as the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), and the Library Trust Fund.

Drawing parallels from global best practices, Abbas cited the Architect of the Capitol in the United States and the Parliamentary Estates Agency in the United Kingdom as models where parliaments independently manage their infrastructure without executive interference.

The speaker said, “The agency will manage every aspect of our buildings and precincts. This includes structural maintenance, mechanical services, liaison offices and the preservation of our architectural heritage. The scope extends to all agencies under the National Assembly, such as the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, the National Assembly Service Commission and the Library Trust Fund.

“This is not an isolated idea. In the United States, the Architect of the Capitol has managed and preserved the Capitol Complex since the eighteenth century. The United Kingdom Parliament has the Parliamentary Estates Agency, which performs a similar function. These examples remind us that a legislature that manages its own facilities stands stronger and more independent.

“The new agency will have a clear governance structure. Its Board will include the presiding officers, committee chairmen, the Clerk to the National Assembly and professionals with relevant expertise. It will submit regular reports to the Senate and House Committees on Services, ensuring transparency and alignment with our strategic objectives. This framework guarantees that public funds are spent wisely and that there is no room for mismanagement.”

Abbas noted that the fragmentation in managing the Assembly’s facilities over the years has resulted in delays, safety concerns, and inefficiencies.

He expressed optimism that the new agency would usher in a more professional and accountable system of asset management.

Chairman of the House Committee on House Services and co-sponsor of the bill, Amos Daniel, described the proposed legislation as a major step towards institutional maturity.

He stated that the National Assembly could no longer rely on executive bodies for its core operational responsibilities.

He noted that similar models exist across Africa, including South Africa and Kenya, where parliaments manage their assets through independent bodies, thereby reinforcing legislative autonomy.

Also speaking, co-sponsor of the bill, Daniel Asama Ago, said the new agency would oversee construction, repairs and proper utilisation of all buildings and facilities of the National Assembly and its agencies nationwide.

“This Bill seeks to correct the current breach in administrative structure and operational management. It is in line with our commitment to improving legislative governance and ensuring our facilities reflect the critical work that takes place within their walls,” Ago said.