The House of Representatives in Nigeria has launched an inquiry into a federal directive that restricts the official foreign travel of its members. According to Punch, the lower chamber is examining a circular issued by the top administrative office of the federal government to determine if it undermines the National Assembly's independence from the executive branch.
The investigation was initiated by a motion from Lagos representative Jesse Onuakalusi during Tuesday's plenary session. The probe targets a document dated August 13, 2026, which mandates that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation must approve official trips before travel documents are processed. Punch reported that this requirement specifically impacts the issuance of Notes Verbales, formal diplomatic notes used to facilitate international engagements for legislators.
Members of the House argue that this administrative step places the legislature under excessive executive oversight. They pointed to specific provisions in the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which establish the separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial arms. The motion also referenced constitutional sections and the 2014 National Assembly Act regarding the administrative framework for parliamentary diplomacy. Lawmakers contended that the executive should not treat the legislature as a subordinate ministry or agency.
Punch noted that the House is particularly concerned about the process for issuing diplomatic notes. The chamber believes that requiring the top federal secretary's approval before the foreign affairs ministry acts could impede parliamentary diplomacy. The lawmakers emphasized that executive procedures must respect constitutional boundaries to maintain legislative autonomy. The inquiry will focus on how these rules affect the travel of presiding officers, principal officers, and other assembly members.
The House assigned the task to its committees on public service matters and legislative compliance. These bodies are expected to review the circular's implications for legislative independence and propose appropriate legislative responses. Punch indicated that the committees must submit their recommendations to the full chamber within four weeks for further deliberation.