Abuja, Nigeria – March 2, 2026 – Senate President Godswill Akpabio has emphasized that Nigerian lawmakers will always rely on God Almighty to fulfill their constitutional duties within the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly. This declaration came during the official commissioning of the National Assembly's first dedicated Christian chapel on Sunday, March 1, 2026, an event that marked the culmination of a nearly two-decade-long vision to provide a permanent space for worship, prayer, and spiritual reflection for Christian legislators and staff.
The chapel, a 750-capacity non-denominational Christian facility located within the National Assembly complex, was commissioned by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who served as the special guest of honour and cut the ribbon to formally inaugurate the edifice. The ceremony drew a gathering of political and spiritual leaders, including former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, former Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission Bishop S.T.V. Adegbite, and members of the National Assembly Christian Legislators Fellowship, as well as serving and former lawmakers from across assemblies.
In his keynote address, Senate President Akpabio described the chapel not merely as a building but as a profound covenant between lawmakers and God. He portrayed God as the eternal Supreme Lawgiver whose immutable laws predate human institutions and are inscribed in the fabric of creation. "For before there were parliaments, He spoke order into chaos. Before there were constitutions, He established justice in the foundations of the earth and inscribed His will upon the conscience of humanity," Akpabio stated.
He further asserted that human laws derive their legitimacy and endurance from alignment with divine justice. "And unless the laws of men reflect the justice of God, they may command obedience, but they will never command reverence nor shape destiny," he added. Akpabio stressed that nations cannot thrive on power alone but require endurance rooted in faith and moral principles. Citing the United States as an example of a global superpower sustained by trust in God, he urged Nigerian lawmakers to govern with conscience anchored in righteousness and inspired by prayer.
The Senate President highlighted the chapel's role as a moral compass in the machinery of governance. "This Chapel shall stand as a moral compass in the machinery of governance. Here, lawmakers will seek wisdom before exercising legislation. Here, conscience will be strengthened, and hope will be renewed. It shall remain a constant reminder that above every earthly authority stands the sovereignty of Almighty God," he declared.
Akpabio expressed deep appreciation to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her unwavering commitment and efforts in ensuring the project's completion. He noted that the initiative, conceived during the Sixth National Assembly around 2007, had languished for years—abandoned and overgrown with weeds when he assumed office. Through the collective voluntary contributions of lawmakers from the 6th to the current 10th Assemblies, as well as support from stakeholders and staff, the project was revived and brought to fruition without reliance on public funds.
The First Lady, in her remarks, underscored the chapel's symbolic importance, reminding legislators that while they make laws for the people, ultimate accountability rests with God. She praised the perseverance that turned a long-standing aspiration into reality and expressed belief that the National Assembly, through prayer and dedication in this space, is contributing to Nigeria's goodness and progress.
Other dignitaries echoed themes of unity, repentance, patriotism, and God-centered governance. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu described the chapel as a platform to foster unity among lawmakers, while former Speaker Yakubu Dogara and others called for righteous lawmaking that prioritizes national interest over partisan or personal agendas.
The commissioning event aligns with broader calls for moral and spiritual renewal in Nigeria's leadership amid ongoing challenges in governance, security, and economic reform. Senate President Akpabio linked the spiritual milestone to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that effective leadership—demonstrated through competence and reformist policies—earns public support and divine backing.
Funded entirely through private donations and contributions from Christian legislators and their predecessors, the chapel represents a self-sustained effort by the National Assembly's Christian community to institutionalize spiritual support within the legislative environment. Previously, Christian lawmakers relied on borrowed or informal spaces for fellowship and prayer.
The ceremony occurred against the backdrop of Nigeria's multi-religious society, where faith plays a significant role in public life. While focused on Christian worship, the initiative has been framed as reinforcing the principle that governance benefits from moral guidance and accountability to a higher power.
As the 10th National Assembly continues its work, the new chapel is expected to serve as a daily reminder of the interplay between faith, conscience, and legislative responsibility. Lawmakers and observers view it as a step toward strengthening the ethical foundation of Nigeria's democracy, with Senate President Akpabio's words resonating as a call for divine guidance in addressing the nation's pressing issues.
The event concluded with prayers for the nation, its leaders, and continued peace and progress, underscoring the belief that spiritual fortitude complements political action in building a just and prosperous society.
