NASS Clerk Warns Directors Against Indiscipline, illegal picketing, Train’s Over 4,000 staff in Kano
The Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Mr. Kamaru Ogunlana, has warned senior staff of the National Assembly against acts of indiscipline and illegal picketing as he declared open a three-day leadership training programme for Directors in Kano.
Ogunlana, who was represented by the Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Engr. Bashir Aminu Yero, described the capacity-building exercise, themed “Leadership Masterclass for Effective Corporate Governance”, as timely and essential to strengthening professionalism, accountability and institutional discipline within the National Assembly bureaucracy.
He said the National Assembly currently boasts over 4,000 staff, including more than 200 Directors who occupy critical administrative and technical positions. Despite being one of the most experienced and educated workforces in the institution’s history, Ogunlana stressed that continuous training remained a top priority for management.
According to him, more than 3,000 staff and legislative aides have benefited from various local and international training programmes this year, aimed at improving efficiency, service delivery and corporate governance.
The CNA also highlighted several key welfare interventions undertaken since he assumed office in February. These include the clearance of salary arrears, regular and prompt payments to staff and aides, restoration of departmental imprest, payment of first 28-day allowances to newly employed personnel, purchase of utility vehicles, and significant upgrades to the National Assembly Clinic.
He further revealed plans to secure full institutional ownership of the National Assembly complexes in both Lagos and Abuja, as well as ongoing reforms to address pension and gratuity challenges faced by retired staff.
While acknowledging long-standing concerns among Directors such as delayed promotions, improper reporting structures and inadequate office spaces, Ogunlana urged patience, noting that some of the issues are tied to budgetary constraints. He commended the establishment of the National Assembly Forum of Directors, describing it as a positive step towards inclusive decision-making.
However, his address took a stern tone as he condemned what he termed “misinformed and illegal attempts” by some staff members to picket the National Assembly. He disclosed that intelligence reports showed that organisers of the planned protest — including three GL09 officers and about 75 contributors, one of whom is a Director — had opened a bank account to raise funds for the action.
He said the account had since been frozen and those involved were under investigation, with the possibility of prosecution. Ogunlana dismissed claims of management’s interference in union activities and alleged short-payment of salaries, describing them as “baseless and entirely false.”
He warned that any disruption to the activities of the National Assembly constitutes a threat not only to the institution but also to national security. He charged the Directors, as senior officers, to uphold discipline, enforce service rules and lead by example in line with the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
“As senior stakeholders in this institution, you must safeguard its integrity by modelling the right standards at all times,” he said.
Ogunlana thanked the organisers, facilitators and participants for their commitment and encouraged the Directors to actively engage in the sessions to derive maximum benefit from the programme.
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