Workers of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly Chapter, have urged the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) to adhere to the federal character principle in appointing directorate‑cadre staff. In a letter dated 22 December 2025, addressed to the NASC Chairman and signed by PASAN Chairman Sabiyyi Sunday, the association cited President Bola Tinubu’s recent reversal of his Aide‑De‑Camp’s promotion to Brigadier General as an example of the importance of due process and the rule of law.
PASAN’s request rests on Section 14(3) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) and the Federal Character Commission Act, both of which require equitable representation of all federating units in public appointments. The workers argue that respecting this principle is essential for fairness and for avoiding perceptions of bias. They warn that failure to comply could lead to industrial unrest.
The association highlighted a pattern of skewed appointments: states already represented in the secretary cadre have repeatedly filled new vacancies, while other states in the same geopolitical zones are consistently overlooked. PASAN contends that this practice violates the federal character principle and creates a sense of exclusion among staff. By referencing President Tinubu’s decision as a demonstration of leadership grounded in fairness and integrity, the workers call on the NASC to follow that precedent and ensure its decisions reflect balance, justice, and good governance.
PASAN cautioned that continued disregard for constitutional provisions could trigger industrial tension and urged the Commission to take immediate corrective action to restore confidence in the appointment process. The NASC, which oversees the National Assembly workforce, has not yet responded to the letter.
The federal character principle is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s constitutional framework, aimed at promoting national unity and fairness in public appointments. As the NASC considers PASAN’s demands, the outcome will likely have significant implications for the National Assembly’s workforce and for the broader application of the federal character principle in Nigeria’s public institutions, underscoring the need for strict adherence to constitutional provisions and equitable representation.
Comments are closed for this story.