CNA Canvasses For Salary Structure, Job Security, Other Benefits For Legislative Aides
…Seeks Defined Conditions Of Service, Stop Arbitrary Disengagements
By Balarabe Alkassim, Abuja
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr Kamoru Ogunlana has advocated for proper job security to Legislative Aides in the two chambers of the National Assembly that will encourage them to do more for their principals as well as give in their best to the institution.
He made the call in his Keynote address on Tuesday at the 3-Days Training Program For Legislative Aides Of The 10th National Assembly’s with the theme: ‘Enhancing Capacity And Competence Of Legislative Aides In The National Assembly For Effective Governance’.
The training was organised by the National Assembly management in conjunction with Research Enterprise Systems for Special Assistants, Special Advisers and other Legislative Aides to members of the National Assembly as well as some management staff.
He emphasised that, the effective functioning of the National Assembly depends not only on the elected legislators but also on the quality of support provided by their Legislative Aides adding that, they are a critical support pillar in the service of the National Assembly.
Mr Ogunlana said, “You are the silent engines behind the visible legislative actions of your principals; taking and keeping records of their activities, conducting research on legislative measures, coordinating engagements with constituents, drafting bills and motions, and providing sound advice on legislative procedures. Without your dedication, precision, and commitment, the legislative process would be far less effective.
He added, “However, many legislative aides are appointed without prior exposure to the unique demands of the legislative service. Inadequate training leads to inefficiencies that can hamper legislative processes and service delivery.
“Therefore, it is imperative to build the capacity of Legislative Aides regardless of their qualifications and experiences, through structured training programs tailored to the Nigerian Legislative context.
“Beyond these, we are addressing your logistical needs; plans are underway to repair your bus and acquire new vehicles to facilitate your movement in and out of the office. These measures are not privileges, but necessary support for you to function effectively.
“We are not unaware of the challenges you face. Although Legislative Aides are political appointees, your conditions of service are tied to the template of career civil servants, which appears not to take cognisance of your peculiar needs.
“Unlike the career civil servant, your appointments do not guarantee job security, tenure is largely dependent on your principals, and ranking is often not based on qualifications or competence”.
The Clerk lamented that, there is currently no comprehensive law or guidelines which clearly defines the duties and responsibilities of the various cadres of Legislative Aides.
He added, “This leaves gaps that sometimes expose you to arbitrary decisions and unfair treatment.The present management believes it is time to address these systemic issues. We are advocating that the National Assembly Service Commission and the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission should consider developing a distinct salary structure and conditions of service that reflect the unique nature of your work. We also believe the qualifications for appointment should be reviewed to attract competent and experienced personnel.
“Equally important is the need for mechanisms to prevent arbitrary termination of appointments by principals. Like other political appointees, nominees for Legislative Aide positions should also be vetted by relevant authorities to forestall the engagement of individuals whose conduct or past records may undermine the integrity of the National Assembly”.
Speaking on the achievements regarding the welfare of the legislative Aides so far, he stated that, under his leadership, the management has ensured that their salaries are paid promptly.
He added, “The First 28 Days allowance, which every newly recruited public servant is entitled to, is settled for about two-thirds of the legislative aides, and arrears arising from the 25%/35% increase in minimum wage and wage awards for the year 2024 has been fully paid. I want to assure you that whatever is outstanding on these claims shall be fully settled by September ending”.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Dr Saviour Enyiekere who was represented by the Commissioner Representing North West in the Commission, Senator Suleman Hunkuyi challenged the Legislative Aides to live up to expectations and assist their principals in discharging their responsibilities.
According to him, they have a heavy burden on their shoulders which is needed to be taken seriously and offloaded with utmost loyalty and service to their principals, the National Assembly and the nation at large.
Also speaking, the Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, Engr. Bashir Yero noted that, the training for the Legislative Aides and staff was among the management’s top priorities aimed at driving the desired goal of excellence in the legislative arm of government to discharge its Constitutional responsibilities.
In his address, the president, National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASSLAF), Mr Emeka Nwala advised his colleagues to remain dedicated to their jobs as the National Assembly’s management has promised to take care of their welfare and address other challenges which he said the management has started.
According to him, by putting in their best,the legislative Aides will contribute their quota to democracy and national development and become part of the success stories that will be witnessed in the country.
In his address, the Secretary Resource and Staff Development Mr Essien Eyo Essien who was represented by Abubakar Bungudu.stated that, the Legislative Aides were the bridge between the lawmakers and Nigerians as well as the management, hence the need for them to be trained and retrained in their job especially with the demands and dynamics of the present time.
Speaking, the Executive Director, Research Enterprise Systems, Prof. Fatai Aremudescribed the training asan opportunity to further strengthen the Legislative Aides and add to their knowledge about the rudiments of their job.
He commended the National Assembly management for the decision to engage his team for the training program and promised to give the best in order to bring out the best from the trainees and help them perform their duties as required.