The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of National Assembly workers, promising improved conditions and resource mobilization.
This came to afore during a recent engagement with the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN).
At the courtesy visit by the PASAN leadership, Speaker Abbas assured the workers of his determination to address pressing issues affecting their welfare. He expressed empathy and solidarity with their concerns, acknowledging the critical role they play in the efficient functioning of the National Assembly.
“I am with you 100 percent on all that you have said. I am somebody who is very passionate about labour matters because I was there (in the civil service) like you, at the very bottom,” Speaker Abbas stated, emphasizing his personal understanding of their challenges.
He further highlighted the forthcoming efforts to ensure the prompt payment of salaries, allowances, and the initiation of pension remittances and payments. The Speaker emphasized his dedication to resolving inherited issues during his tenure in the 10th National Assembly.
Regarding the impact of the removal of fuel subsidies, Mr. Sunday Sabiyi, Chairman of PASAN, raised concerns about the effect on the workers and urged a review of salary structures and conditions of service.
“We don’t want strike and picketing,” Sabiyi emphasized, highlighting the workers’ desire for a seamless operational environment.
Speaker Abbas assured the expeditious commencement of the National Assembly Pension Board and the constitution of its membership, ensuring pension schemes would commence early the following year.
The Speaker directed efforts towards addressing concerns about the fueling of provided buses for the workers and planned a meeting with the National Salaries Incomes And Wages Commission to explore how parliamentary workers could benefit from the post-subsidy salary bonuses.
The office of the Speaker, House of Representatives, affirmed that steps are underway to address these concerns and reassured the commitment of the leadership to better the working conditions for National Assembly workers.