ENYIEKERE ADVOCATES NEW LEGISLATIVE QUARTERS, PROPOSES COUNCIL OF FORMER PRESIDING OFFICERS

The Executive Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Chief Saviour Enyiekere, has called for the construction of new Legislative Quarters in Abuja to address challenges of accommodation, insecurity, and poor coordination affecting incumbent federal lawmakers in the Federal Capital Territory.

Dr. Enyiekere also proposed the formal establishment of a National Council of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly.

These were the key points of his submission to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, during a courtesy visit to the Speaker by a NASC delegation.

Currently, most federal lawmakers face insecurity, traffic congestion, and logistical difficulties due to scattered residential arrangements, many of which are located on the outskirts of the FCT. This, according to him, has hindered effective coordination of legislative duties.

As part of Nigeria’s transition from military to democratic rule, the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar administration constructed the Apo Legislative Quarters to provide secure and centralised accommodation for incoming legislators. The facility enhanced comfort, security, and coordination, thereby improving legislative productivity.

However, under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s monetisation and sale of government property policy, the Apo Quarters were sold to lawmakers occupying them at the time, leaving subsequent legislators to source accommodation independently.

Enyiekere’s call for new Legislative Quarters aligns with proposals for a revolving housing management policy, whereby government builds houses, sells them to the public, and reinvests the proceeds in constructing more houses. Advocates of this policy argue that it would not only address lawmakers’ accommodation needs but also help reduce Nigeria’s housing deficit.

On the establishment of a Council of Former Presiding Officers, Enyiekere explained that such a body would serve as a think-tank for the National Assembly, offering inspiration, advice, and institutional memory to support federal legislation.

During the visit—his first official engagement since the inauguration of the 6th NASC on May 5, 2025—Enyiekere briefed Speaker Abbas on the Commission’s activities and guiding principles.

He assured that the 6th NASC would uphold equity in recruitment and other exercises, ensuring fair representation across all sections of the country.

“In all matters of recruitment, promotion, and discipline, we shall be guided strictly by the relevant rules and regulations. Under our stewardship, the National Assembly will develop into a more resourceful, disciplined, and committed workforce, capable of steady and quality service delivery,” he pledged.