On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the House of Representatives has firmly reiterated its stance on the constitutional independence of the Legislature, passing robust resolutions to challenge any executive overreach that threatens the separation of powers between the arms of government.
During today’s plenary session, lawmakers addressed mounting concerns regarding a directive from the Executive arm concerning official foreign travels.
The motion, sponsored by Hon. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, drew attention to a circular dated 13 August 2026 (Reference No. PRS59648/5.13/TI/335) issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF). The said circular mandates prior executive approval for official foreign trips by public officers and makes such clearance a prerequisite for processing official travel documentation.
Invoking Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the House recalled that Nigeria’s democracy is built upon the foundational doctrine of the separation of powers and checks and balances, establishing the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary as distinct and co-equal arms of government.
Lawmakers further underscored that under the provisions of Section 51 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 22 of the National Assembly Act, 2014, the Clerk to the National Assembly, acting in liaison with the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, holds the exclusive constitutional and statutory mandate regarding administrative arrangements for parliamentary foreign trips and the issuance of Notes Verbales.
The House explicitly affirmed that the National Assembly is an independent arm of government, and not a Ministry, Department, Agency (MDA), or a subordinate institution of the Executive.
The House expressed deep concern that requiring approval from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can issue Notes Verbales for official foreign trips by Presiding Officers, Principal Officers, and Members of the National Assembly undermines legislative independence. Lawmakers noted that such a procedure impedes parliamentary diplomacy and creates an inappropriate relationship of executive control over the Legislature.
To safeguard institutional autonomy, the House resolved to:
- Reaffirm the constitutional independence of the Legislature as a distinct arm of government and uphold the doctrine of separation of powers under the 1999 Constitution.
- Mandate the Committees on Public Service Matters and Legislative Compliance to thoroughly investigate the circular, examine its implications for parliamentary independence, recommend appropriate legislative action, and report back within four (4) weeks.
