The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into a Federal Government circular requiring prior approval for official foreign trips amid concerns that the directive could undermine the independence of the National Assembly.
The motion, sponsored by Lagos lawmaker Jesse Onuakalusi, was moved 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.
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 duties, particularly 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, concerning the administrative arrangements for parliamentary foreign trips and the issuance of Notes Verbales.
“The House is concerned that requiring approval from the SGF before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can issue Notes Verbales for official foreign trips by the Presiding Officers, Principal Officers and members of the National Assembly could undermine legislative independence, impede parliamentary diplomacy and create an inappropriate relationship of executive control over the legislature,” the lawmaker said.
A Note Verbale is a formal written communication exchanged between governments or diplomatic missions, often used to facilitate official diplomatic engagements and travel.
The lawmakers argued that requiring the SGF’s approval before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could issue Notes Verbales for the presiding officers, principal officers and other members of the National Assembly could impede parliamentary diplomacy.
They further stressed that executive administrative procedures must respect constitutional boundaries and preserve the legislature’s autonomy.
The House consequently mandated its Committees on Public Service Matters and Legislative Compliance to investigate the circular and its implications for legislative independence.
The committees are expected to recommend appropriate legislative action and report back within four weeks for further consideration.
The investigation is expected to clarify the implications of the circular for official foreign travel by lawmakers and the administrative procedures governing parliamentary engagements abroad.