HOUSE SETS PUBLIC HEARING ON INFRASTRUCTURE AGENCY BILL TO MODERNIZE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MAINTENANCE

In a step toward institutional reform, the Nigerian House of Representatives has scheduled a public hearing for the proposed National Assembly Infrastructure and Property Development Agency Bill (HB.2072). The session, hosted by the House Services Committee, took place on Monday, July 8, 2025, at Conference Hall 0.28 of the new House of Reps complex in Abuja. The bill seeks to establish an autonomous agency responsible for the construction, renovation, and maintenance of all National Assembly infrastructure—freeing lawmakers and committees from the burden of micromanaging facilities. Committee Chairman Hon. Amos Daniel explained that the hearing was part of the House’s deepening commitment to transparency and civic inclusion. “We believe that broad stakeholder input always leads to richer, more durable legislation,” he said. Opening the session, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen called the bill “a critical step toward the modernization of legislative governance,” highlighting persistent challenges with building maintenance, outdated equipment, and the need for long-term capital project planning. The hearing welcomed civil society groups, media representatives, architects, engineers, and former lawmakers who shared insights on best practices and governance safeguards for the proposed agency.If passed, the bill will institutionalize infrastructure management at the National Assembly for the first time in Nigeria’s legislative history, ensuring improved service delivery and more cost-effective public spending in the long run.