By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
The National Assembly Service Commission has proposed the restoration of purpose-built Legislative Quarters in Abuja and the establishment of a council of former presiding officers, as part of reforms aimed at improving lawmakers’ welfare and strengthening institutional memory.
The proposals were presented at the weekend during the commission’s maiden visit to the office of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, since the inauguration of the current leadership of the commission.
According to a statement by the Senate President’s Media Office, the chairman of the commission, Dr Saviour Enyiekere, said approval was being sought for the creation of a council comprising former Senate Presidents, Speakers of the House of Representatives, and their deputies.
He said the proposed body would function as an advisory platform, drawing on the experience of past parliamentary leaders in governance, conflict resolution and institutional development.
Enyiekere also stressed the urgency of restoring official Legislative Quarters, noting that the absence of government-provided accommodation continued to create security and logistical challenges for lawmakers.
“The Commission is proposing the reintroduction and construction of new National Assembly Legislative Quarters to address security concerns and enhance efficiency,” he said.
He added that lawmakers currently live across different parts of Abuja and its outskirts, a situation he said weakens coordinated security planning and affects prompt legislative engagement.
Responding, Akpabio congratulated the commission’s leadership and urged them to uphold federal character in staff recruitment, promotion and welfare.
“With your experience, everything about the Commission must reflect fairness and national balance,” he said.
Earlier, Enyiekere assured the National Assembly leadership that the commission was committed to restoring confidence in its operations and building on the achievements of past administrations.
The renewed call for Legislative Quarters revives a debate dating back to 1999, when the Apo Legislative Quarters were built to house federal lawmakers.
However, under the monetisation policy introduced during Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, the quarters were sold to serving lawmakers and converted into private property.
Since then, several attempts to rebuild official legislative residences have failed, forcing lawmakers to rely on private housing across the Federal Capital Territory.
With the proposals now before the National Assembly leadership, the commission says its initiative aims to rebuild the legislature’s institutional framework, focusing on continuity, efficiency, and governance beyond personalities.
