NASC Pushes Return of Legislative Quarters, Proposes Council of Ex-Officers

*Akpabio demands federal character in commission’s activities 

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) has proposed the establishment of a Council of former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly and the reintroduction of purpose-built Legislative Quarters in Abuja.

The commission said the proposals were aimed at strengthening institutional memory, improving lawmakers’ welfare and restoring coordinated legislative living arrangements.

The proposals, according to a statement from the Senate President Media Office, were presented to the leadership of the National Assembly, weekend, by the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Saviour Enyiekere.

The statement explained that it was the Commission’s maiden visit to the office of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in Abuja, since its inauguration.

Enyiekere said the Commission sought formal approval for the creation of a Council of former Senate Presidents, Speakers, and their deputies, which would serve as an advisory body to the National Assembly leadership, drawing from their experience in parliamentary governance, conflict management and institutional development.

He also called for the construction of new National Assembly Legislative Quarters, arguing that the absence of official accommodation for lawmakers had created serious logistical, security and coordination challenges for the federal legislature.

“The Commission is proposing the reintroduction and construction of new National Assembly Legislative Quarters to address security concerns, enhance efficiency and restore institutional orderliness in the living arrangements of lawmakers,” Enyiekere said.

Responding, Akpabio congratulated the Chairman and members of the Commission on their appointment and charged them to ensure that the principle of federal character was reflected in all the activities of the Commission, particularly in staff welfare, promotions and recruitment.

“The leadership of both chambers made very good choices. I have no doubt that with your pedigrees, you will deliver on the mandate given to you.

“The maturity is there, so we should expect the best. With your various experiences, everything about the Commission, welfare, promotion of staff and recruitment, must be done in a way that reflects fairness, joy and national character,” Akpabio said.