Ahead of today’s plenary resumption, a planned protest over poor welfare and alleged management neglect has split staff at the National Assembly.
But the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) has distanced itself from the action, warning members against participating.
The proposed demonstration, reportedly organised by a group identified as “Concerned Staff,” was circulated on the WhatsApp platform and the NASS Forum, threatening to disrupt legislative activities as lawmakers resume their plenary session.
A letter by some “Concerned PASAN Members”, dated October 3, 2025, and addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly, had accused 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 union executives to prepare yearly budgets, circulate audited accounts and balance sheets, and ensure compliance with statutory financial obligations, while also arguing that management’s interference undermines internal democracy and accountability.
Beyond union matters, the affected workers accused management of neglecting long-standing welfare issues, including correcting salary shortfalls, remitting statutory deductions (tax, pension, and housing fund), fully implementing the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure, and paying allowances covering rent subsidy, leave, hazard, and medical expenses.
They also demanded implementation of the 40 per cent consolidated peculiar allowance approved in 2023 for federal workers, provision of official vehicles for directorate staff, staff buses for junior cadres, and training templates for capacity development.
Other demands include implementation of the National Assembly Service Pension Board (Establishment) Act, 2023, and immediate application of the new minimum wage and its consequential adjustments.
In response to the planned protest, the management of the National Assembly, in a circular issued on Sunday by Essien Eyo Essien, Secretary of Human Resources and Staff Development, on behalf of the Clerk, Kamoru Ogunlana, cautioned aggrieved parliamentary workers against proceeding with the protest and picketing of the complex.
The management warned that any attempt to disrupt legislative activities would attract severe disciplinary measures.
PASAN, in a memo signed by its chairman, Sunday Sabiyyi, however, declared that it is not involved in the protest, and warned members against participating.
