The management of the National Assembly (NASS) has warned aggrieved parliamentary workers against embarking on their planned protest and picketing of the legislative complex as lawmakers prepare to resume plenary on Tuesday.
The warning follows threats by members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) to stage industrial action over alleged unresolved welfare issues and violations of the union’s constitution.
In a circular issued on Sunday by the Secretary, Human Resources and Staff Development, Essien Eyo Essien, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Kamoru Ogunlana, management cautioned that any attempt to disrupt legislative activities would attract “severe disciplinary measures.”
According to the circular, management emphasised that union membership was voluntary and that dissatisfied members had the right to withdraw.
“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,” Essien stated.
He added that within seven months of assuming office, the current management had initiated several reforms aimed at improving administrative efficiency and boosting staff morale.
In what appeared to be a firm warning to protesting workers, the circular instructed all staff to disregard any calls for strike, sit-at-home, or picketing of the Assembly complex.
“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 fear or intimidation,” Essien wrote.
He also directed the self-styled “Concerned PASAN Members” to desist from their planned protest, warning that defiance would attract “severe disciplinary action.”
“The management remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the overall well-being of staff,” the statement added.
The warning came shortly after a group identified as Concerned PASAN Members wrote a petition dated October 3, 2025, to the Clerk of the National Assembly, accusing management of harassment and intimidation of union members who demanded transparency and adherence to the PASAN Constitution (2015).
The petition, jointly 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 union executives present audited accounts to the congress as required by law.
The petitioners cited constitutional provisions mandating the union to prepare annual budgets, circulate audited accounts, and ensure financial transparency.
They claimed that management’s interference undermined internal democracy within the association.
“The recognition of executives earlier removed by Congress is a violation of due process and the union’s internal democracy,” the petition read in part.
Workers Demand Better Pay and Welfare
Beyond union matters, the group also accused management of neglecting long-standing welfare demands, including correction of salary shortfalls, remittance of statutory deductions such as taxes, pension, and housing fund, and the full implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS).
They further demanded payment of allowances covering rent subsidy, leave, hazard, and medical benefits, as well as the implementation of the 40% consolidated peculiar allowance approved in 2023 for federal workers.
Other requests include:
- Provision of official vehicles for directors and staff buses for junior workers;
- Training and capacity development programmes;
- Full implementation of the National Assembly Service Pension Board (Establishment) Act, 2023; and
- Immediate application of the new minimum wage and consequential adjustments.
Naijaonpoint reports that with lawmakers scheduled to resume plenary on Tuesday, anxiety is mounting within the Assembly complex over the possibility of protests disrupting legislative business.
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