Opinion
NASS: Redefining the Status of Workforce for Optimum Performance
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF.
The National Assembly management under the leadership of Sani Magaji Tambawal as Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) has concluded efforts to professionalise some perceived temporary workers of Assembly whose terms of engagement expires every four years of the life of the National Assembly members.
More than two and half decades since the return to the current democratic dispensation in 1999 , the process remain the same as some lawmakers who had the opportunity of ranking advantage embarked on recircling or changing the legislative aides on termly basis , providing a gloomy future for staffers on legislative aides status.
Worried by this development, the leadership of the National Assembly management and National Assembly Service Commission NASC jointly under the leadership of Sani Magaji Tambawal and Engr Ahmed Kadi Amshi FNSE had embarked on long term efforts not to only change their status to professional, but ensure a permanent status for them .
Aside the statutory four years expected to be spent by legislative aides, some lawmakers had embarked on sacking and outright dismissal of legislative aides almost on a yearly basis, hence creating an atmosphere of engagement of non- professional to man the activities of lawmakers and the National Assembly.
The increasing need to professionalise the National Assembly workers particularly the legislative aides working directly with lawmakers became imperative, as the management of the National Assembly embarked on foundation efforts in August last year, 2023 to move the status from the temporary and statutory four year term , but professionals who will be readily available for engagement with the retinue of experiences, exposures and training.
What it means , that as a professional, the National Assembly members through the National Assembly management and National Assembly Service Commission NASC will ensured the professionals and experienced ones will be a corrolary for subsequent employment and engagement by federal lawmakers, both at the House of Representatives and Senate, bringing to an end an era of engagement of all tom , dick and harry to the National Assembly.
The positive development will enable temporary staff known as legislative aides, transform from temporary status to career paths, serving our their terms as staffers of federal lawmakers.
In this vein, the National Assembly management under Sani Magaji Tambawal as Clerk to the National Assembly CNA, did not only initiate the bold moves , but had trained about 3,500 legislative aides, the 9th batch in it’s series in the last one year .
In line with the vision and mission, the new development will be able to equip aides with essential skills and knowledge that will assist the lawmakers in their statutory functions and the National Assembly.
It was also capable of fostering a permanent roles within the National Assembly having migrated from the temporary to permanent through professionalism, so as to play a vital roles towards nation’s development.
Through Education, the democratic principles will be reinforced, and payment of entitlements, and also enhanced quality of services to Nigerians, as well strengthen capabilities, roles in governance, pave way for more legislative system in the country .
With the new order that will encourage professionalism in the National Assembly circle, no doubt, the legislative arm was capable of rolling out quality laws, improved plenary sessions, robust oversights among many other of its activities.
The initiatives powered under the laudable leadership of the Clerk to the National Assembly, (CNA) Sani Magaji Tambawal will Improve performance, avoid pitfalls and robust legislation.
Abubakar Yusuf Writes from Abuja on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a leading Pan-African student body, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Ogun State under Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, for its commitment to security and community engagement.
In a statement released on Thursday, the President of PSM Nigeria, Comrade Ambassador Okereafor Bestman, highlighted the CP’s efforts in strengthening collaboration between the police, stakeholders, and other security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the state.
“It is worthy of note that CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has further fostered a harmonious working synergy between the police, stakeholders, and other security agents aimed at ensuring peace and tranquility in Ogun State,” Okereafor said.
The student leader expressed confidence in CP Ogunlowo’s leadership, stating that Ogun State is on track to becoming one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria under his administration.
He also praised the professionalism and dedication of the Ogun State Police Command in tackling crime, regardless of its scale.
Additionally, PSM acknowledged the Ogun State government’s continued support for security agencies, particularly in providing mobility and logistics to enhance their operational efficiency.
The commendation comes at a time when security remains a top priority for residents and authorities in the state, with ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure public safety.