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Speaker Abbas Seeks Full Control of National Assembly Infrastructure to Strengthen Democracy
By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has said that the National Assembly needs to be in full control of its infrastructure from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to help strengthen democratic governance and uphold the principle of separation of powers.
Speaker Abbas stated this at a public hearing on a bill to establish the National Assembly Infrastructure and Property Development Agency on Monday in Abuja.
The Speaker who was represented by the Minority Whip, Rep. Ali Isa JC, described the legislation as timely and necessary to safeguard and maintain the integrity of the National Assembly Complex and its assets nationwide.
He said: “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.”
Abbas decried the end result of external control over the years, including delayed repairs, safety concerns, and inefficiencies.
According to him, a dedicated agency would introduce long-term planning, preventive maintenance, and transparent procurement — leading to cost savings and improved work conditions.
The Speaker also stressed 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. Its 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,” he said.
The proposed agency would have a clearly defined governance structure, including presiding officers, committee chairmen, the Clerk to the National Assembly, and relevant professionals. It would report regularly to the Senate and House Committees on Services to ensure transparency and alignment with legislative priorities.
“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”, he added.
In his submission, Clerk to the National Assembly, Barr. Kamoru Ogunlana, backed 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. He said this arrangement is detrimental to democratic practice.
He disclosed 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 — a situation he described as unacceptable. However, he 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.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman House Committee on House Services, Rep. Amos Daniel, described the hearing as a milestone in the legislature’s quest for true autonomy.
He noted that it was 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”, he said.
One of the sponsors of the bill, Rep. Daniel Asama Ago, explained that the proposed agency would be tasked with the operation, development, maintenance, and preservation of the National Assembly’s physical assets across the country. He described the current arrangement as a violation of the doctrine of separation of powers.
“The agency will manage all buildings and facilities — from offices, chambers, and garages to health and fitness centres — ensuring they are efficiently maintained and contribute to a productive legislative process,” he added.
Finally, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu said the decision would take effect from April 30, 2026, to allow for a smooth transition.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.
He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture, President Bola Tinubu, has sent a formal communication to the House of Representatives on seeking legislative approval for the repeal and re-enactment of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund (NPTF) Establishment Act, 2025.
The request which was transmitted to the House for consideration and passage on Wednesday at plenary, underscores the need to improve the management and administration of the fund, enhance police training, and provide modern equipment for the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the letter,, the proposed amendment is aimed at boosting the operational capacity, accountability, and sustainability of the Police Trust Fund in line with current security challenges.
The President urged lawmakers to give the bill expeditious consideration, as the said the reform will improve the welfare of police personnel and support skill development across the force.
In another development, the House Committee on Rules and Business has moved to tighten legislative discipline, directing all standing and ad hoc committees to submit reports on bills and motions within set timelines in line with House procedures.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Francis Uwaive, reminded all committee chairmen to treat all assigned matters within 30 days, with the risk of losing such assignments after 60 days if no progress is made, except where a short extension is granted.
A firm deadline has also been set for all outstanding reports, with the end of April 2026 as the cut-off point, and non-compliance attracting automatic discharge.
Amid the formal proceedings, lawmakers briefly paused to celebrate two members marking their birthdays, acknowledging their contributions to public service and national development.
The mood later shifted as the House paid tribute to a former member of the Fifth Assembly, observing a minute’s silence in his honour following his passing after a prolonged illness.
He was remembered for his dedication and service to his constituents in Benue State, with colleagues noting that his death represents a significant loss to the legislature and the country.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that their naval forces stopped two ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz and directed them to the territorial waters of the Islamic Republic.
“The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval force this morning identified and stopped in the Strait of Hormuz two violating ships,” the Guards said in a statement.
“The two offending ships… were seized by the IRGC’s naval forces and directed to the Iranian coast.”
They identified one ship as “MSC-FRANCESCA”, which they said belonged “to the Zionist regime” in reference to Israel, and the other as “EPAMINONDAS”, which they said was “tampering with navigation systems and jeopardising maritime security.”
The Guards further warned against any action against the regulations imposed by the Islamic republic in the strait “as well as activities contrary to the safe passage” through the waterway.
Tehran has said vessels must seek permission to leave of enter the Gulf through Hormuz, through a route that in peacetime accounts for a fifth of the world’s oil and gas exports along with other vital commodities.
Source: AFP
BREAKING: Finally, Power Minister, Adelabu resigns from Tinubu’s cabinet
Reps Begin Review of Police Trust Fund Law, Tighten Timeline for Committee Work
Iran Seizes Two Ships attempting to cross Strait of Hormuz
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