Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, and former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan are expected to attend the commissioning and dedication of a 750-capacity Christian chapel at the National Assembly on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
The event, organised by the Christian Legislators Fellowship of the National Assembly, is billed to attract eminent Nigerians, senior clerics and policymakers from across the country.
In a statement jointly signed by the Fellowship’s President, Senator Binus Yaroe, and Secretary, Bamidele Salam, a member of the House of Representatives, the group described the project as a milestone in strengthening spiritual fellowship among Christian lawmakers and staff.
The statement noted that the ceremony would “bring together prominent Christian leaders, policymakers, and dignitaries in a moment of thanksgiving and spiritual reflection.”
According to the Fellowship, the chapel will serve as “a spiritual hub aimed at fostering unity, moral reflection, and faith-based support among members of the legislative community.”
Among those expected at the event are the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh; the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke; and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, alongside several clerics from different denominations.
The dedication ceremony is expected to draw wide participation from both chambers of the National Assembly, legislative aides and the broader Christian community.
The non-denominational chapel project was initiated in May 2019 during the leadership of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.
The move followed years of appeals by Christian lawmakers and staff members who sought a dedicated worship space within the legislative complex.
While a mosque has long existed within the National Assembly premises to cater to Muslim members and workers, Christian legislators had relied on temporary venues for services and fellowship meetings.
Advocates argued that establishing a permanent chapel would ensure parity, promote religious inclusion and provide a structured environment for spiritual activities without disrupting legislative proceedings.
The Fellowship stated that the 750-seat facility is designed to serve members of both chambers, legislative aides and staff, and will function as a centre for regular worship, counselling and intercessory sessions.
