Reps Probe FG Circular Restricting Lawmakers’ Foreign Trips
The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into a Federal Government circular requiring lawmakers to obtain prior approval for official foreign trips, amid 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 Tuesday’s plenary, following concerns over a circular dated August 13, 2026, issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The circular, with reference number PRS59648/5.13/TI/335, requires prior approval for official foreign trips and makes such approval a condition for processing travel documents.
Lawmakers expressed concern that the directive could subject members of the National Assembly to executive control in the discharge of their official responsibilities, particularly in the area of 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 4, 5 and 6 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which establish the legislative, executive and judicial arms of government and provide the framework for the separation of powers.
The motion also referenced Section 51 of the Constitution and Section 22 of the National Assembly Act, 2014, regarding administrative arrangements for parliamentary foreign trips and the issuance of Notes Verbales.
Onuakalusi said requiring approval from the SGF before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could issue Notes Verbales for official foreign trips by presiding officers, principal officers and other members of the National Assembly could undermine legislative independence and impede parliamentary diplomacy.
A Note Verbale is a formal written communication exchanged between governments or diplomatic missions, often to facilitate official diplomatic engagements and travel.
The lawmakers argued that making the SGF’s approval a prerequisite for issuing the documents could create an inappropriate relationship of executive control over the legislature.
They further stressed that administrative procedures established by the executive must respect constitutional boundaries and preserve the autonomy of the National Assembly.
Consequently, the House mandated its 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 reports within four weeks for further consideration by the House.
The investigation is expected to clarify the implications of the directive for official foreign travel by lawmakers and the administrative procedures governing parliamentary engagements abroad.