National Assembly Warns Workers Against Disrupting Plenary Over Welfare Demands
Tension has escalated in Abuja as workers within the National Assembly threaten industrial action over unfulfilled welfare demands. In response, Assembly management is warning that any disruption of plenary sessions will attract severe consequences. The standoff pits legitimate staff grievances against institutional order and the imperative for legislative continuity.
🔍 What the Workers Want
-
Staff under the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly Chapter, have accused management of failing to resolve long-standing welfare issues, including salary shortfalls, unpaid allowances, non-remittance of statutory deductions (tax, pensions, National Housing Fund), unimplemented salary structure adjustments (CONLESS), and inadequate hazard, medical, and rent subsidy allowances. They also demand that the financial provisions of the Conditions of Service (COS) be fully implemented, training and retraining budgets honoured, and official vehicles or transport solutions for directorate and junior cadre staff.
-
A group calling itself “Concerned PASAN Members” has written to the Clerk to the National Assembly, notifying intent to picket the National Assembly complex starting Tuesday, 7 October 2025, when plenary resumes.
⚠️ Management’s Response & the Warning
-
The Management of the National Assembly (through a circular signed by Secretary of Human Resources & Staff Development, Essien Eyo Essien, on behalf of the Clerk, Kamoru Ogunlana) described the planned picketing and any “industrial action” including “work-to-rule” and “unlawful picketing” as potentially disruptive of legislative duty.
-
Management warned that disruption of plenary sessions would be considered a threat to national security and that staff who proceed with the planned actions might face severe disciplinary action.
-
An internal circular also noted that the “Concerned PASAN Members” appear to include individuals collaborating with both internal and external elements to mobilise staff for the protests, which management claims contravene internal union rules and legal procedures.
🗓 Timeline
| Date | Key Event |
|---|---|
| October 3, 2025 | “Concerned PASAN Members” send letter to CNA notifying intention to picket starting Oct 7. |
| October 4, 2025 | Management issues warning circular, instructing staff to ignore calls for industrial action/picketing. |
| October 7, 2025 | Scheduled date for plenary resumption and intended start of the picketing/protest. ⠀ |
💡 Why It Matters
-
Legislative Continuity: Plenary sessions are essential for passing bills, oversight, budget approvals, etc. Disruption could delay key national legislation or policy oversight.
-
Workers’ Rights vs Institutional Integrity: The dispute raises broader questions: how staff welfare should be balanced with the responsibility to ensure uninterrupted legislative function. Are demands being met in good faith? Are the processes for staff redress well-defined and fair?
-
Union Transparency & Governance: Management has alleged that some agitation is being driven by misinterpretation of union rules, and that certain individuals acting outside formal union structure (“Concerned PASAN Members”) are attempting to lead protest actions. This points to internal union governance issues.
-
Precedent for Public Institutions: This case may set a precedent for how other federal institutions handle staff welfare demands, especially when threats of industrial action emerge. The balance of power, due process, and government responsiveness are all under scrutiny.
✅ What Needs to Happen
-
Dialogue & Good Faith Engagement: PASAN and National Assembly management need to resume negotiations with transparency, possibly involving independent oversight to ensure audited accounts and financial commitment.
-
Clear Implementation Plan: For welfare demands (salary adjustments, allowances, etc.), management needs to present a plan with timelines, benchmarks, and accountability mechanisms.
-
Union Rule Compliance: Union members and leadership must ensure all actions conform to PASAN’s constitution, labor law, and legal trade union practices to avoid internal contradictions and legal exposure.
-
Avoid Disruption: Workers should be mindful that disruption of plenary will have broader societal implications; protests should be peaceful, legal, and well-coordinated.
No comments