NASS Management Warns Staff Against Planned Protest as Lawmakers Resume Plenary

The management of the National Assembly has issued a stern warning to parliamentary workers against proceeding with their planned protest and picketing of the complex as lawmakers resume plenary today (Tuesday).

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

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

Essien wrote, “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 stated that within seven months of assuming office, the current management had implemented several administrative reforms to enhance efficiency and boost staff morale.

“In light of recent developments,” the circular continued, “management 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. Proceed with your official duties without fear or intimidation.”

Essien also directed the self-styled Concerned PASAN Members to desist from the planned protest, warning that any defiance would attract “severe disciplinary action.”

The circular reaffirmed management’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the overall well-being of staff.

The warning came after a letter from Concerned PASAN Members dated October 3, 2025, accused the management of harassment and intimidation of union members demanding transparency and adherence to the PASAN Constitution (2015).

The petition, signed by M.C. Odo, Yusuf Mohammed Abiola and Chinenye Peace Nda, alleged that workers were being queried and threatened with suspension for insisting on the presentation of audited accounts to the congress as required by the union’s constitution.

They cited constitutional provisions mandating the preparation of annual budgets, audited accounts, and compliance with statutory financial obligations. The group alleged that management’s interference undermined internal democracy and accountability.

The petition also criticised management’s recognition of previously removed executive officers, describing it as a violation of due process and union democracy.

Beyond union disputes, the group accused the management of neglecting key welfare concerns, including salary shortfalls, remittance of statutory deductions (tax, pension, housing fund), and full implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS).

Other demands include the payment of rent, leave, hazard, and medical allowances, implementation of the 40% consolidated peculiar allowance approved in 2023 for federal workers, provision of official vehicles for directors, buses for junior staff, and training programmes for capacity development.

They further demanded the enforcement of the National Assembly Service Pension Board (Establishment) Act, 2023, and the implementation of the new minimum wage alongside its consequential adjustments.

As tension builds ahead of plenary resumption, analysts suggest that how management addresses these grievances could determine whether normal legislative business proceeds smoothly or faces disruption at the heart of Nigeria’s lawmaking institution.