Isaac Samuel
As the National Assembly resumes plenary tomorrow, a planned protest over poor welfare and alleged management neglect has split staff at the National Assembly, with the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) distancing itself from the action and warning members against participating.
The proposed demonstration, reportedly organised by a group identifying as “Concerned Staff,” was circulated on a WhatsApp platform, NASS Forum, and threatened to disrupt legislative activities as lawmakers resume plenary.
PASAN, however, declared that it is not involved in the protest and warned members against participating.
The union insisted it is not in any way involved in the purported picketing being circulated on a WhatsApp platform, NASS Forum.
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, jointly 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 annual 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 concerned workers accused management of neglecting long-standing welfare issues, including correction of salary shortfalls, remittance of statutory deductions (tax, pension, and housing fund), full implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure, and payment of allowances covering rent subsidy, leave, hazard, and medicals.
They also demanded the 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 the implementation of the National Assembly Service Pension Board (Establishment) Act, 2023, and the 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 the Secretary, Human Resources and Staff Development, Essien Eyo Essien, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana cautioned aggrieved parliamentary workers against carrying out their planned protest and picketing of the complex as lawmakers resume plenary on Tuesday.
The management warned that any attempt to disrupt legislative activities would attract severe disciplinary measures.
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 explained that within seven months of assuming office, the current management had embarked on several administrative reforms aimed at improving efficiency and boosting staff morale.
Essien further warned, “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 any fear or intimidation.”
PASAN in a memo signed by its chairman, Comrade Sunday Sabiyyi, also explained that the issues the group intends to protest over have been substantially complied with by the Management of the National Assembly, adding that the union has already constituted a committee to engage management on any outstanding matters.
The memo reads: “I am writing on behalf of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) to dissociate our Union from the picketing/protest that is purportedly being planned, as published on a WHATSAPP Platform named, NASS FORUM. We would like to make it clear that PASAN, as the only registered and legitimate staff union in the National Assembly, is not in any way involved in the organization of this protest.
“We have received information that this group of individuals plans to picket/protest within the National Assembly complex, raising issues that
they claim have not been addressed by the management.
“We would like to state that the issues in question have been substantially complied with by the Management of the National Assembly. In addition, PASAN has set up a committee to look into the grey arrears and present a report for further action. This committee is actively discussing with the management to
resolve any outstanding issues.
“Therefore, we strongly advise all PASAN members to remain on their duty post and go about their legitimate business within the complex.
“We do not support or condone any form of protest or picketing that disrupts the
functioning of the National Assembly. Such actions only serve to create a negative image of our esteemed institution and hinder the smooth operation of our duties.
The union also urged the management to investigate the planned action and ensure that it does not take place, stressing the need to uphold the dignity and professionalism of the institution.
