National Assembly Warns Staff Against Planned Protest Ahead of Lawmakers’ Resumption

The management of the National Assembly (NASS) has issued a stern warning to aggrieved parliamentary workers planning to stage protests and picketing within the legislative complex as federal lawmakers prepare to resume plenary on Tuesday. This development comes amid mounting tensions following threats by members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) to embark on industrial action over alleged welfare neglect and violations of the union’s constitution. In a circular released on Sunday, signed by the Secretary of 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 be met with “severe disciplinary measures.”

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The circular emphasized that membership in PASAN is voluntary and that any employee dissatisfied with the union’s operations is free to withdraw. Essien stated, “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.” He added that within just seven months of assuming office, the current NASS management had introduced reforms aimed at improving administrative performance and boosting staff morale.

In what appeared to be a direct warning to potential protesters, the circular instructed all National Assembly staff to disregard any calls for strike action, picketing, or sit-at-home directives. Essien wrote, “In light of recent developments, 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.” He further directed the faction of the union known as “Concerned PASAN Members” to desist from any planned protests or demonstrations, warning that defiance would lead to “severe disciplinary action.”

According to Essien, the management remains fully committed to transparency, accountability, and the overall well-being of all parliamentary staff. The warning follows an internal petition written by the group identified as Concerned PASAN Members. The petition, dated October 3, 2025, and addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly, accused management of intimidation and harassment of union members advocating for transparency and adherence to the PASAN Constitution (2015). The petition was jointly signed by M.C. Odo, Yusuf Mohammed Abiola, and Chinenye Peace Nda, who alleged that some union members had received official queries and threats of suspension for insisting that the union leadership provide audited financial accounts to the congress as required by law. The petitioners referenced constitutional provisions within the PASAN charter mandating the preparation of annual budgets, circulation of audited accounts, and compliance with financial transparency measures.

They also accused management of undermining internal democracy by recognising executives previously removed by Congress, describing the move as a violation of due process. “The recognition of executives earlier removed by Congress is a violation of due process and the union’s internal democracy,” the petition stated. ### Workers Demand Better Pay and Welfare Beyond the union’s internal dispute, the aggrieved workers also raised concerns about unresolved welfare and financial issues. They accused the National Assembly management of failing to address long-standing demands relating to staff remuneration, welfare allowances, and statutory deductions. The group’s letter outlined a series of grievances, including the non-payment of salary arrears, irregular remittance of taxes, pension, and National Housing Fund contributions, as well as the delayed implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS). Additionally, workers are demanding the full payment of allowances for rent subsidy, leave, hazard, and medical expenses. They also called for the implementation of the 40% consolidated peculiar allowance approved by the federal government in 2023 for public sector employees.

Other demands include the provision of official vehicles for directors, the procurement of staff buses to ease transportation for junior workers, and the introduction of capacity-building and training programmes. The workers also requested the immediate implementation of the National Assembly Service Pension Board (Establishment) Act, 2023, as well as the application of the newly approved minimum wage and consequential salary adjustments for all categories of parliamentary staff. Insiders say the agitation among PASAN members has been building for months, fuelled by perceptions of managerial high-handedness and lack of transparency in handling staff welfare. With lawmakers scheduled to resume plenary on Tuesday, there is growing anxiety within the National Assembly complex about the potential for demonstrations or disruptions.

Security has reportedly been tightened around the legislative premises as management works to prevent any form of industrial unrest that could affect the reopening of plenary sessions. Observers note that the ongoing dispute underscores the broader tension between management and the union, reflecting deeper concerns about staff welfare and institutional governance within the legislative service. While the management has reiterated its commitment to dialogue and reform, workers appear determined to push for transparency, fair treatment, and the full implementation of welfare policies. As the standoff continues, both sides face increasing pressure to find a resolution that ensures stability within the nation’s top lawmaking institution and protects the rights and interests of parliamentary workers. Created with