The National Assembly‘s administration has issued a stern advisory to staff members planning to stage protests and picket the legislative complex as lawmakers prepare to reconvene for plenary sessions on Tuesday.
This cautionary message comes in response to threats from certain members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), who have indicated intentions to initiate industrial action over unresolved welfare concerns and constitutional disputes affecting employees.
In an official circular released on Sunday, Essien Eyo Essien, Secretary of Human Resources and Staff Development, representing the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, underscored that any disruption to parliamentary proceedings would be met with strict disciplinary consequences.
Essien emphasized, “Joining PASAN or any affiliated union is completely voluntary. Staff members, whether holding executive positions or regular membership, dissatisfied with union operations are entitled to withdraw their membership following established protocols.”
He highlighted that since taking office seven months ago, the current leadership has implemented multiple administrative reforms designed to enhance operational efficiency and elevate staff morale.
Further, Essien instructed, “Given recent events, all personnel are directed to disregard any calls for industrial actions such as ‘work-to-rule’ or unauthorized picketing.”
“We assure every employee of their safety and security within the National Assembly premises and encourage them to continue their official responsibilities without fear or intimidation,” he added.
The circular also called on the so-called “Concerned PASAN Members” to abandon their planned demonstrations, warning that any noncompliance would result in “stringent disciplinary measures.”
It concluded by reaffirming management’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of all staff members.
This advisory followed a letter dated October 3, 2025, from a faction of “Concerned PASAN Members” addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly. The letter accused the administration of harassment and intimidation tactics against union members advocating for transparency and strict adherence to the PASAN Constitution (2015).
Signed by M.C. Odo, Yusuf Mohammed Abiola, and Chinenye Peace Nda, the petition claimed that employees faced inquiries and threats of suspension for demanding the presentation of audited financial statements to the union congress, as mandated by the union’s governing documents.
The petitioners referenced constitutional clauses requiring union leaders to prepare annual budgets, distribute audited financial reports and balance sheets, and ensure compliance with statutory financial regulations-arguing that management’s interference compromises the union’s democratic processes and accountability.
They also criticized the reinstatement of executive officers previously removed by Congress, labeling it a breach of due process and an affront to the union’s internal democratic principles.
Beyond union governance, the petitioners accused management of neglecting persistent welfare issues, including rectifying salary discrepancies, remitting statutory deductions such as taxes, pensions, and housing funds, fully implementing the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure, and disbursing allowances for rent subsidies, leave, hazard pay, and medical expenses.
Additional demands included enforcing the 40% consolidated peculiar allowance approved in 2023 for federal employees, providing official vehicles for directorate-level staff, arranging transportation for junior staff, and establishing training programs for professional development.
They also called for the enactment of the National Assembly Service Pension Board (Establishment) Act, 2023, and the prompt application of the new minimum wage along with its related adjustments.
As tensions rise ahead of the Tuesday plenary session, analysts suggest that the administration’s response to these grievances will be pivotal in determining whether legislative activities proceed uninterrupted or face significant disruption within Nigeria’s central lawmaking institution.