The management of the National Assembly has issued a stern warning to aggrieved parliamentary workers, particularly members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), against proceeding with a planned protest and picketing of the complex as lawmakers resume plenary sessions on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
The caution follows threats by a group identifying as “Concerned PASAN Members” to embark on industrial action over alleged unresolved welfare issues and violations of the PASAN Constitution (2015). In a circular issued on Sunday by Essien Eyo Essien, Secretary of Human Resources and Staff Development, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the management warned that any attempt to disrupt legislative activities would result in “severe disciplinary measures.”
The circular emphasized that union membership is voluntary, stating, “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 urged staff to ignore calls for industrial action, including “work-to-rule” or “unlawful picketing,” assuring them of safety and security within the National Assembly complex while encouraging them to carry out their duties without fear.
The management also highlighted recent administrative reforms aimed at improving efficiency and staff morale within seven months of the current leadership’s tenure. It directed the “Concerned PASAN Members” to abandon their planned protest, warning that defiance would attract strict disciplinary action. The circular reaffirmed the management’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and staff welfare.
The warning comes in response to a letter dated October 3, 2025, from the “Concerned PASAN Members,” addressed to the Clerk and signed by M.C. Odo, Yusuf Mohammed Abiola, and Chinenye Peace Nda. The group accused the management of harassing and intimidating union members who demanded transparency and adherence to the PASAN Constitution. They cited provisions mandating union executives to present audited accounts, annual budgets, and balance sheets to the congress, alleging that management’s interference undermines internal democracy.
The workers further criticized the management for recognizing union executives previously removed by Congress, calling it a violation of due process. Beyond union disputes, the group raised concerns about unresolved welfare issues, including salary shortfalls, unremitted statutory deductions (tax, pension, and housing fund), and the non-implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure. They also demanded payment of allowances for rent subsidies, leave, hazard, and medicals, as well as the implementation of the 40% consolidated peculiar allowance approved in 2023 for federal workers.
Additional demands include the provision of official vehicles for directorate staff, staff buses for junior cadres, training programs for capacity development, implementation of the National Assembly Service Pension Board (Establishment) Act, 2023, and the immediate application of the new minimum wage with its consequential adjustments.
As tensions rise ahead of the plenary resumption, observers on X have noted that the management’s response to these grievances could determine whether legislative activities proceed smoothly or face disruptions at Nigeria’s lawmaking hub.
