The management of Nigeria’s National Assembly has issued a firm directive to its staff, cautioning them against participating in any planned protests or engaging in actions that could disrupt plenary sessions as lawmakers return from their annual recess today. This warning comes amid rising tensions within the National Assembly Complex, particularly among members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), who have expressed intentions to launch industrial action over unresolved welfare concerns and constitutional disputes.
In a strongly worded circular, signed by Mr. Essien Eyo Essien, the Secretary of Human Resources and Staff Development, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, the management made it clear that any acts of insubordination or attempts to disrupt the operations of the National Assembly would be met with severe disciplinary consequences. The circular was unequivocal in its stance, emphasizing that the management would not tolerate any behavior that undermines the smooth functioning of the legislative body.
The backdrop to this warning is the growing unrest among PASAN members, who have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with several unresolved issues. The union has threatened to embark on industrial action, citing grievances related to staff welfare, delays in salary payments, and constitutional matters that they believe have not been adequately addressed. These concerns have fueled tensions between the staff and the management, creating an atmosphere of unease as the National Assembly resumes its legislative activities.
The circular explicitly directed all staff to ignore any calls for protests or work stoppages, underscoring that participation in PASAN or any other union activities is entirely voluntary. “It must be emphasised that membership of PASAN or any union is entirely voluntary. Any staff member dissatisfied with the conduct of union affairs may freely withdraw their membership,” the statement read. This directive appears to be an attempt to dissuade staff from joining the planned industrial action while reinforcing the management’s authority over workplace conduct.
In an effort to reassure workers, the National Assembly management highlighted its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all staff within the National Assembly Complex. The circular also emphasized ongoing efforts to improve transparency, accountability, and staff welfare. According to the management, several reforms have been introduced over the past seven months to enhance operational efficiency and boost staff morale. These reforms, they claim, are part of a broader initiative to address longstanding concerns and create a more conducive working environment.
However, the management’s assurances have done little to quell the agitation among a faction of PASAN members, who identify themselves as “Concerned PASAN Members.” In a petition dated October 3, 2025, this group outlined a series of grievances against the National Assembly management. The petition, signed by M.C. Odo, Yusuf Mohammed Abiola, and Chinenye Peace Nda, accused the management of engaging in harassment, intimidation, and undue interference in union activities. The group alleged that the management’s actions were aimed at stifling the union’s ability to advocate for the rights and welfare of its members.
The petition further highlighted several specific issues that have fueled the discontent among PASAN members. These include delays in addressing salary shortfalls, non-remittance of statutory deductions, unpaid allowances, and the failure to fully implement the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure and the National Assembly Service Pension Board Act, 2023. These issues, according to the petitioners, have created significant financial and professional hardships for staff members, who feel neglected by the management.
Additionally, the Concerned PASAN Members criticized the management’s decision to recognize previously removed union executives, describing the move as a violation of due process and internal democracy within the union. They argued that this decision undermines the principles of fairness and transparency that the management claims to uphold. The group’s petition reflects a deep-seated frustration with what they perceive as a lack of accountability and responsiveness from the National Assembly leadership.
The brewing conflict between the National Assembly management and PASAN members highlights a broader issue of labor relations within Nigeria’s legislative institution. The management’s warning and the union’s grievances underscore the challenges of balancing administrative authority with workers’ rights to organize and advocate for better conditions. As lawmakers resume their plenary sessions, the atmosphere within the National Assembly Complex is likely to remain tense, with the potential for further escalation if the underlying issues remain unresolved.
The management’s circular serves as both a preemptive measure to maintain order and a signal of its readiness to enforce disciplinary actions against non-compliant staff. However, the concerns raised by PASAN members suggest that deeper systemic issues need to be addressed to restore harmony and ensure the effective functioning of the National Assembly. The coming days will likely reveal whether dialogue and negotiation can prevail over confrontation, or if the threat of industrial action will disrupt the legislative process.
In conclusion, the National Assembly’s stern warning to its staff reflects the high stakes involved in maintaining operational stability as lawmakers return to work. The management’s emphasis on discipline and voluntary union participation is juxtaposed against the legitimate grievances of PASAN members, who are demanding better welfare and adherence to constitutional provisions. As both sides navigate this delicate situation, the resolution of these issues will be critical to ensuring a productive and harmonious working environment within Nigeria’s legislative hub. The outcome of this standoff will also serve as a litmus test for the National Assembly’s ability to address internal challenges while fulfilling its legislative mandate.
