The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Abbas Tajudeen, has assured National Assembly workers of his unwavering commitment to improving their welfare and mobilizing resources to address their concerns. This assurance was given during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), NASS Chapter, Mr Sunday Sabiyi, and other executive members of the union.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen emphasized the vital role played by the workers in the smooth running of the National Assembly and stressed the need to ensure their comfort and well-being. Drawing from his own experience in the civil service, he empathized with the workers, acknowledging their challenges and promising to work towards their resolution.
He stated, “I understand your problems. I understand your plight. I want to tell you, I am with you. I share your pain. Not only that, but I know what you are going through. I wish to assure you that the 10th National Assembly under our leadership will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all the problems that we have inherited terminate during this particular time.”
The Speaker also assured the workers that outstanding salaries and allowances would be paid, and efforts would be made to kick-start pension remittances and payments. He highlighted the significance of the recently passed bill establishing the National Assembly Pension Board, and pledged to collaborate with Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, to constitute the board and commence the pension scheme early next year.
In addition, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen promised to address the issue of fuelling the buses provided for the transportation of workers. He also directed the invitation of the National Salaries Incomes And Wages Commission to a meeting, where discussions on how parliamentary workers can benefit from the N35,000 post-subsidy salary bonuses declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Federal Government workers would occur.
During the visit, Mr Sunday Sabiyi expressed the union’s concerns regarding the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and the impact it has had on the workers. He also called for a review of the salary structure, conditions of service, and payment of arrears.
With Speaker Abbas Tajudeen’s assurance and commitment to addressing the workers’ concerns, National Assembly employees can look forward to improved welfare and a conducive working environment. Their importance and dedication to the functioning of the National Assembly have been recognized, and steps will be taken to ensure their well-being remains paramount.
