National Assembly Management Warns Staff Against Planned Protest as Lawmakers Resume Plenary Tuesday

The management of the National Assembly has cautioned aggrieved parliamentary workers against proceeding with their planned protest and picketing of the legislative complex as lawmakers prepare to resume plenary on Tuesday.

The warning comes amid threats by members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) to embark on industrial action over alleged unresolved welfare and constitutional issues affecting workers.

In a circular dated Sunday and signed by the Secretary of Human Resources and Staff Development, Essien Eyo Essien, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, management warned that any attempt to disrupt legislative activities would attract severe disciplinary measures.

Essien stressed that union membership within PASAN is voluntary, adding that any dissatisfied staff member is free to withdraw from the association in line with established rules.

He noted that within seven months of assuming office, the current leadership had initiated a series of administrative reforms to enhance efficiency and improve staff welfare.

“In light of recent developments, the Management hereby instructs all staff to disregard 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 continue your official duties without fear or intimidation,” the circular stated.

The management also directed the self-styled “Concerned PASAN Members” to desist from their planned protest, warning that defiance would result in “severe disciplinary action.” It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and staff well-being.

The caution followed a petition dated October 3, 2025, from a group of “Concerned PASAN Members” addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly. The petitioners — M.C. Odo, Yusuf Mohammed Abiola, and Chinenye Peace Nda — accused management of harassment and intimidation of union members seeking transparency and adherence to the PASAN Constitution (2015).

They alleged that workers were being queried and threatened with suspension for demanding the presentation of audited accounts to the union congress, as required by the constitution. The petition further cited provisions mandating union executives to prepare annual budgets, circulate audited accounts, and comply with statutory financial obligations — claims the petitioners say have been undermined by management interference.

The group also faulted the recognition of previously suspended union executives, describing the move as a violation of due process and internal democracy.

Beyond union matters, the workers highlighted several unresolved welfare issues, including correction of salary shortfalls, remittance of statutory deductions (tax, pension, and housing fund), full implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure, and payment of allowances such as rent subsidy, leave, hazard, and medical benefits.

They further demanded the enforcement of the 40% consolidated peculiar allowance approved for federal workers in 2023, provision of official vehicles for directorate staff, buses for junior staff, and structured training for capacity development. Other requests include the implementation of the National Assembly Service Pension Board (Establishment) Act, 2023, and the immediate application of the new national minimum wage and consequential adjustments.

As tensions rise ahead of Tuesday’s plenary resumption, observers note that how the National Assembly management addresses these grievances could determine whether legislative activities proceed without disruption at the heart of Nigeria’s democracy.