The management of the National Assembly has warned aggrieved workers to shelve the planned protest scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
The warning came amid threats by members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) to embark on industrial action over alleged unresolved welfare issues and constitutional violations affecting staff.
In a circular dated Sunday and signed by the Secretary of Human Resources and Staff Development, Essien Essien, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the management cautioned that any attempt to disrupt legislative proceedings would attract “severe disciplinary measures.”
“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,” the circular said.
Essien noted that the current management, within seven months of assuming office, had initiated several administrative reforms aimed at improving efficiency and boosting staff morale.
“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,” the management further stated.
The circular also directed a faction of the union, identified as Concerned PASAN Members, to shelve their planned protest, warning that defiance would be met with severe disciplinary action.
“Finally, the management remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the overall well-being of staff,” the statement added.
But, the warning followed a separate petition by the Concerned PASAN Members, dated October 3, 2025, and addressed to the clerk of the National Assembly, accusing the management of harassment and intimidation of union members demanding transparency and adherence to the PASAN Constitution.
The petition, jointly signed by M.C. Odo, Yusuf Abiola, and Chinenye Nda, alleged that several workers were being queried and threatened with suspension for insisting that the union present its audited accounts to congress as required by law.
The group cited sections of the PASAN constitution mandating the executive to prepare annual budgets, circulate audited accounts and balance sheets, and comply with statutory financial obligations, accusing the management of interfering in union affairs and undermining internal democracy.
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They also condemned what they described as management’s “illegal recognition” of certain executive officers previously removed from office, saying the action violates due process and the will of members.
Beyond union matters, the petitioners accused the management of ignoring long-standing welfare concerns, including salary shortfalls, unremitted statutory deductions (such as tax, pension, and housing fund), and failure to implement the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure.
Other grievances listed include non-payment of rent subsidy, leave, hazard, and medical allowances, as well as the delayed implementation of the 40% consolidated peculiar allowance approved for federal workers in 2023.
The aggrieved staff also demanded the provision of official vehicles for directors, staff buses for junior workers, and the establishment of structured training programmes to enhance capacity development.
They further urged immediate enforcement of the National Assembly Service Pension Board (Establishment) Act, 2023, and full application of the new national minimum wage and its consequential adjustments.
As lawmakers return from recess on Tuesday, tension is mounting within the National Assembly complex.
