The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into a Federal Government circular requiring prior approval for official foreign trips, citing concerns that the directive could undermine the independence of the National Assembly.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by a Lagos lawmaker, Jesse Onuakalusi, during plenary on Tuesday.
The circular, dated August 13, 2026, was issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and makes prior approval a condition for processing official travel documents.
Lawmakers expressed concern that the directive could subject members of the National Assembly to executive control while performing their constitutional responsibilities, particularly in matters involving parliamentary diplomacy.
The House maintained that the legislature is an independent arm of government and should not be treated as a ministry, department, agency or subordinate institution of the executive.
It cited Sections Four, Five and Six of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which establish the legislative, executive and judicial arms of government and provide for the separation of powers.
The lawmakers also referenced Section 51 of the Constitution and Section 22 of the National Assembly Act, 2014, concerning administrative arrangements for parliamentary foreign trips and the issuance of diplomatic Notes Verbales.
Onuakalusi argued that requiring approval from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could issue Notes Verbales for presiding officers, principal officers and other lawmakers could undermine legislative independence and impede parliamentary diplomacy.
A Note Verbale is a formal written communication exchanged between governments or diplomatic missions to facilitate official diplomatic engagements.
The House further stressed that executive administrative procedures must respect constitutional boundaries and preserve the autonomy of the legislature.
Consequently, the lawmakers mandated the House Committees on Public Service Matters and Legislative Compliance to investigate the circular and assess its implications for legislative independence.
The committees are expected to recommend appropriate legislative action and submit their findings to the House within four weeks for further consideration.
