Tensions are rising within the National Assembly of Nigeria as a group of staff under the banner of ‘Concerned PASAN Members’ threatens to picket the Assembly Complex beginning Tuesday, October 7, 2025, to demand improved working conditions and implementation of pending welfare benefits.
Lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives are expected to resume plenary after their annual recess on the same day, but internal unrest could potentially disrupt legislative proceedings, prompting alarm from Assembly management.
National Assembly Raises Security Concerns
In a strongly worded internal circular, the management of the National Assembly described the planned protest as a threat to national security and legislative stability. The notice, signed by Essien Eyo Essien, Secretary of Human Resources and Staff Development, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Kamoru Ogunlana, warned staff against participating in any industrial action or “unlawful picketing.”
“Security reports indicate that individuals masquerading as ‘Concerned PASAN Members’ are mobilising staff for an illegal protest that may destabilize legislative activities,” the circular read.
It identified two staff members — Odo Chris (GL 13, Senate) and Abiola Yusuf Mohammed (GL 9, Human Resources Directorate) — as key coordinators of the picketing campaign in collaboration with unnamed external influencers.
PASAN National Assembly Chapter Dissociates from Protest
In a swift response, the leadership of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly Chapter, disowned the protest. In a statement issued in Abuja, PASAN Chairman, Comrade Sunday Sabiyyi, said the union is not involved in the planning or execution of the protest and warned members against participating.
“PASAN remains the only registered and legitimate staff union in the National Assembly and we are not part of any protest,” Sabiyyi stated.
“A committee is already engaging management to address outstanding issues raised by members.”
He advised members to remain at their duty posts and avoid any action that could damage the integrity of the institution.
Protesting Staff List Welfare-Related Grievances
Despite the warnings, the dissident group, led by Comrade Chris MC-Odo, Comrade Yusuf Muhammad Abiola, and Comrade Chinenye Peace Ndu, has vowed to proceed with the planned peaceful picketing. In a letter dated October 3 and addressed to the CNA, the group listed several unmet demands, including the correction of shortfalls in salary and allowance payments, Immediate remittance of statutory deductions to relevant authorities, Investigation of alleged fund diversion meant for staff training, Full implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS), Payment of the 40% peculiar allowance approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari and Execution of the financial provisions of the Conditions of Service (CoS).
“We are exercising our rights under the Nigerian Constitution and Trade Union Act to demand accountability and fairness from the management,” the letter said.
Management Threatens Disciplinary Action
The National Assembly management has threatened severe disciplinary measures against any staff who proceed with the unauthorized protest.
“The planned picketing could disrupt legislative business and jeopardize national security,” the circular warned.
“All staff are instructed to disregard calls for industrial action and continue their official duties without fear.”
