The National Assembly management has warned legislative workers against participating in any form of protest or industrial action, saying such moves could attract disciplinary measures in line with civil service rules.
The warning comes amid growing tension within the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), which had threatened to embark on a strike over unpaid allowances and welfare concerns.
In a circular issued on Monday by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Magaji Tambawal, staff were reminded of their obligation to maintain industrial peace and to refrain from actions capable of disrupting legislative activities.
“The management wishes to reiterate that any staff who participates in or supports any illegal protest or strike action will be deemed to have breached the Public Service Rules and will face appropriate disciplinary sanctions,” the circular stated.
Tambawal noted that negotiations were ongoing between the National Assembly Service Commission and the workers’ union to address grievances, adding that disruptions could jeopardize progress already made.
He appealed to workers to remain patient and allow dialogue to continue in the interest of the institution and the nation.
However, PASAN officials have insisted that the management has failed to meet previous agreements on staff welfare, particularly concerning the implementation of consolidated legislative salary structures and other benefits.
“We have shown enough restraint. Our members are frustrated, and if nothing changes, we will not hesitate to act,” a senior PASAN member told reporters on condition of anonymity.
As both sides maintain their positions, fears of a possible shutdown of legislative activities continue to grow, raising concerns about the fate of pending bills and oversight functions at the National Assembly.
Observers have called for swift intervention by relevant authorities to avert another round of disruption in the nation’s legislative processes.
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