The management of the National Assembly has warned its staff against going ahead with their planned protest and picketing of the complex as lawmakers resume plenary today (Tuesday).
This comes after members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) threatened to embark on an industrial action over what they described as unresolved welfare and constitutional issues affecting parliamentary workers.
In a circular signed by Essien Eyo Essien, Secretary of Human Resources and Staff Development, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the management cautioned that any attempt to disrupt legislative activities would attract serious disciplinary action.
“It must be emphasised that membership of PASAN or any union is entirely voluntary.
Any staff member, whether executive or regular, who is dissatisfied with the conduct of union affairs may freely withdraw their membership in line with established rules,” the circular stated.
Essien noted that within just seven months in office, the current management had introduced several administrative reforms to improve efficiency and boost staff morale.
He also directed all staff to disregard any call for industrial action, including “work-to-rule” or “unlawful picketing,” assuring them of their safety within the complex.
“Your safety and security within the National Assembly complex are assured. We urge you to carry on with your duties without fear or intimidation,” he said.
Essien warned a faction of the union identified as “Concerned PASAN Members” to desist from their planned protest, stressing that defiance would lead to severe disciplinary measures.
> “Finally, management remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the overall well-being of staff,” the circular added.
However, the warning followed a petition from the same “Concerned PASAN Members,” dated October 3, 2025, and addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly. The group accused the management of harassing and intimidating union members who were demanding accountability and adherence to the PASAN Constitution (2015).
The petition, signed by M.C. Odo, Yusuf Mohammed Abiola, and Chinenye Peace Nda, alleged that some workers were being queried and threatened with suspension for insisting that audited accounts be presented to the union congress, as required by the union’s constitution.
The petitioners also cited constitutional provisions requiring union executives to prepare annual budgets, circulate audited financial statements, and ensure transparency—arguing that management’s interference undermines internal democracy.
They further accused the management of recognising union executives who had already been removed by the congress, describing the move as “a violation of due process.”
Beyond union-related issues, the workers also listed several unresolved welfare matters, including:
Correction of salary shortfalls
Payment of statutory deductions (tax, pension, and housing fund)
Full implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure
Payment of rent subsidy, leave, hazard, and medical allowances
Implementation of the 40% consolidated peculiar allowance approved in 2023 for federal workers
Provision of official vehicles for directors and staff buses for junior workers
Training and capacity development programmes
Enforcement of the National Assembly Service Pension Board Act (2023)
Immediate implementation of the new minimum wage and consequential adjustments
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With the National Assembly resuming plenary today, observers say the way management addresses these grievances will determine whether parliamentary activities proceed smoothly or face disruptions at the heart of Nigeria’s legislature.
