Reps order probe of SGF circular on approval for lawmakers' foreign trips
- The House of Representatives has asked two committees to investigate an August circular requiring SGF approval before lawmakers' official trips abroad.
- Lagos lawmaker Jesse Onuakalusi said the rule lets the executive control the legislature and slows parliamentary diplomacy.
- The committees have four weeks to report back with recommendations.
The House of Representatives has moved against a Federal Government rule that makes lawmakers get clearance from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) before travelling abroad on official business.
At Tuesday's plenary, the House asked its Committees on Public Service Matters and Legislative Compliance to look into the circular and report back within four weeks.
The directive is dated August 13, 2026, and carries reference number PRS59648/5.13/TI/335. According to the motion, it makes the SGF's prior approval a condition for processing travel papers for official foreign trips.
The motion was sponsored by Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, a Lagos lawmaker. He argued that the arrangement places the National Assembly under executive control.
In practice, the circular means the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot issue Notes Verbales for trips by presiding officers, principal officers and other members until the SGF approves. A Note Verbale is the formal diplomatic note governments exchange to arrange official visits.
Why lawmakers say it matters
Onuakalusi told the House that the legislature is a separate arm of government and should not be handled like a ministry, department or agency.
He cited Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the 1999 Constitution, which set up the legislature, executive and judiciary as distinct arms. He also pointed to Section 51 of the Constitution and Section 22 of the National Assembly Act, 2014, which he said give the Clerk to the National Assembly, working with the Senate President and the Speaker, the say over arrangements for parliamentary trips.
He said the approval requirement could weaken legislative independence, slow parliamentary diplomacy and create an improper relationship of executive control over the legislature.
The lawmaker also said he accepts that proper administrative procedures are needed, but insisted they must stay within constitutional limits and not erode the independence of any arm of government.
The House adopted the motion and sent the matter to the two committees.
What happens next
The committees are to examine the circular and its effect on the legislature's independence, then recommend what action the House should take. Their report is due in four weeks.
The sources do not say whether the SGF's office has responded to the House's position.
