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Speaker Abbas Seeks Full Control of National Assembly Infrastructure to Strengthen Democracy
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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.
The All Progressives Congress has ordered all Primary Election Committees to submit reports and result sheets from its 2027 primaries by Monday, May 25, 2026.
The directive was announced in a statement issued May 24 by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka. It covers governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, and state assembly primaries.
The party said submissions for legislative bye-election reports will open on May 30, 2026.
National Organising Secretary Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu signed the notice and urged committees to ensure documents are submitted promptly and accurately.
APC said sticking to the deadlines is critical for transparency and credibility in its internal electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Edo South Senatorial District All Progressives Congress APC Senate flag bearer, Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama has hailed the reemergence of Bola Tinubu as APC presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.
Ogbeide-Ihama in a congratulatory message he personally signed hailed President TInubu describing him as the iroko tree that provides shades for all.
Recall that Tinubu was declared winner of the keenly contested APC Presidential Primary, held at the Eagle Square in Abuja, said is truly the arrowhead of politics in Nigeria, adding that as one of the movers and shakers of APC from day one his victory did not come as a surprise.
He stressed that the emergence of Senator Tinubu was a result of dint of hard work, and that the votes that gave him victory was a clear manifestation of his general acceptance.
Ogbeide-Ihama noted that Tinubu is truly a political caterpillar that pilots his affairs without rancour with his massive shoulders warehousing all and sundry to the admiration of his political adversaries.
” I hail you my Excellency as you have proven it again that definitely you can take Nigeria to the next level.
The price of North Sea Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate slipped close to five percent to $99.41 and $92.49 a barrel, respectively.
The United States and Iran appear closer than ever to a deal that would end the war that has ravaged the Middle East since late February, sending energy prices soaring and stoking global inflation.
But sticking points in their negotiations have tempered hopes of a swift resolution to restore the transit of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he had informed US negotiators “not to rush into a deal”.
“The negotiations are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner, and I have informed my representatives not to rush into a deal in that time is on our side,” a post to Trump’s official Truth Social account said.
Iran’s Tasnim news agency said that, based on their information, key clauses of a possible agreement remained unresolved.
One of the main sticking points has been whether Tehran is willing to hand over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
The release of Iran’s frozen assets held under longstanding US sanctions and whether Lebanon, repeatedly targeted by Israeli strikes, will be included in any peace deal are also key issues.
Markets across Asia climbed in early trade on hopes that Washington and Tehran will be able to overcome these hurdles.
Tokyo soared more than three percent in early trade on Monday, while Hong Kong and Seoul were closed for public holidays.
Shanghai inched upwards, with Taipei, Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta, Singapore, Sydney, and Wellington also climbing.
Kuala Lumpur was down 0.1 percent.
“The weekend news flow has once again focused on the prospects for a negotiated deal between the US and Iran,” said Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone.
“According to reports from Donald Trump, a memorandum of understanding has been ‘largely negotiated’, with details to be announced at some stage soon, although there appears to be limited urgency,” Weston said.
Investors will also be keeping an eye on how the US Federal Reserve and its new chief, Kevin Warsh, react to Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data this week, as well as European inflation metrics.
“The inflation story remains central to the entire setup,” said SPI Asset Management analyst Stephen Innes.
“Investors will receive another critical read on Thursday with the release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge.
“After several hotter-than-expected consumer and producer inflation reports earlier this month, markets are increasingly concerned that elevated oil prices and supply disruptions tied to the Middle East conflict are beginning to seep into the broader inflation pipeline.”
The conflict erupted after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, and the Islamic Republic responded with missile and drone attacks across the region.
The United States and Iran have observed a ceasefire since April 8 while mediators push for a negotiated settlement, although Tehran has imposed controls on Gulf shipping and Washington has blockaded Iran’s ports.
Currency dealers monitor exchange rates as an electronic screen shows the prices of WTI (L), Brent crude (C), and Dubai crude (R) in a foreign exchange dealing room at the Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul on March 13, 2026. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP)
Key Figures At Around 0215 GMT
Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 3.99 per cent at $99.41 a barrel
West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 4.25 per cent at $92.49 a barrel
Tokyo – Nikkei 225: UP 3.2 per cent at 65,358.97
Shanghai – Composite: UP 0.3 per cent at 4123.89
Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: UP 0.9 percent at 25,606.03 (close)
Euro/dollar: UP at 1.1640 from 1.1608 on Friday
Pound/dollar: UP at $1.3480 from $1.3441
Dollar/yen: DOWN at 158.86 from 159.13 yen
Euro/pound: DOWN at 86.35 from 86.36 pence
New York – DOW: UP 0.6 per cent at 50,579,70 (close)
New York – S&P 500: UP 0.4 per cent at 7,473.47 (close)
New York – Nasdaq: UP 0.2 per cent at 26,343.97 (close)
London – FTSE 100: UP 0.2 per cent at 10,466.26 (close)
Paris – CAC 40: UP 0.4 per cent at 8,115.75 (close)
Frankfurt – DAX 30: UP 1.2 per cent at 24,888.56 (close)
AFP
See Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today 25th May 2026
APC sets May 25 deadline for 2027 primary elections results submission
2027: Ogbeide-Ihama hails Tinubu’s reemergence as APC presidential flag bearer
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