National Assembly Cautions Staff Against Disrupting Plenary Over Welfare Issues.

NASS.

The management of the National Assembly has issued a warning to discontented parliamentary staff against proceeding with their intended protest and picketing of the premises, as lawmakers are set to reconvene for plenary on Tuesday.

This caution followed threats from some members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) who have vowed to initiate industrial action over what they allege to be unresolved welfare and constitutional issues affecting employees.

A circular released on Sunday by Essien Eyo Essien, Secretary of Human Resources and Staff Development, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, cautioned that any attempt to interrupt legislative activities would result in strict disciplinary measures.

Essien noted, “It must be emphasised that membership of PASAN or any union is entirely voluntary. Any staff member, whether an executive or regular member, who is dissatisfied with the conduct of union affairs may freely withdraw their membership in accordance with established rules.”

He mentioned that since assuming office seven months ago, the current leadership had undertaken several administrative reforms aimed at improving operational effectiveness and boosting staff morale.

Essien additionally stated, “In light of recent developments, the Management hereby instructs all Staff to ignore any calls for industrial action, including ‘work-to-rule’ or ‘unlawful picketing’. Your safety and security within the National Assembly Complex are assured, and we urge you to proceed with your official duties without any fear or intimidation.”

He directed the so-called “Concerned PASAN Members” to halt their planned protest, warning that any act of defiance would be met with “severe disciplinary action.”

The circular further said, “Finally, the management remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the overall well-being of staff.”

This development came after a letter from a group identified as “Concerned PASAN Members,” dated 3rd October 2025 and addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly, which accused the administration of harassing and intimidating union members calling for transparency and adherence to the PASAN Constitution (2015).

The petition, signed jointly by M.C. Odo, Yusuf Mohammed Abiola, and Chinenye Peace Nda, claimed that staff were being issued queries and threatened with suspension for requesting that audited financial accounts be presented to the general congress, as stipulated in the union’s constitution.

They referenced constitutional clauses which obligate union leaders to prepare annual budgets, share audited accounts and balance sheets, and adhere to all statutory financial responsibilities—arguing that the administration’s intervention was weakening internal democracy and accountability.

The group also criticised the recognition of previously ousted executive officers by the management, labelling it “a violation of due process and the union’s internal democracy.”

Beyond union-related issues, the concerned staff accused the administration of failing to address longstanding welfare concerns, such as rectifying salary discrepancies, remitting statutory deductions (including taxes, pensions, and housing funds), fully implementing the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure, and paying outstanding allowances related to rent subsidy, leave, hazard, and medicals.

They also demanded enforcement of the 40% consolidated peculiar allowance approved in 2023 for federal employees, provision of official vehicles for directorate-level staff, buses for junior employees, and a structured training programme for capacity building.

Additional demands include the implementation of the National Assembly Service Pension Board (Establishment) Act, 2023, along with the immediate execution of the new minimum wage and its consequential adjustments.

As tensions rise ahead of Tuesday’s plenary, observers have noted that how the National Assembly leadership addresses the workers’ complaints could determine whether legislative activities continue uninterrupted or face disruption at the core of Nigeria’s lawmaking institution.