From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PSAN) has charged the Senate to pass the bill on Harmonised Retirement Age for Staff of National Assembly.
PASAN, in a statement by its chairman, Sunday Sabiyi, said the proposed legislation which is seeking to peg retirement for legislative staff at 65 years of age or 40 years of service had earlier been passed by the House of Representatives.
Sabiyi stated that there is a dearth of qualified staff in the legislative arm of government due to the interruption of democracy in the country, hence the need to increase the length of service.
According to him, explained that the 8th Assembly had in a resolve in 2019 extended the retirement age for Staff of the National Assembly Service to 65 years of age or 40 years of Service whichever is earlier.
Nevertheless, Sabiyi noted that PASAN observed that the resolution was inconsistent with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act, 2014 and the Public Service Rules.
He explained that, consequently, “the Harmonised Retirement Age for Staff of Legislative Houses in Nigeria Bill was later introduced by the 9th Houses of Representatives, but was not passed due to concerns raised by Honourable Members on the powers of the National Assembly to legislate for the Houses of Assembly and Local Government legislative houses.
“Therefore, we respectfully urge the Leadership of the Senate and all Distinguished Senators to please disregard the false claims and pass the Bill as there is a dearth of qualified staff in the Legislative Arm of Government due to the interruption of democracy in Nigeria, the legislature which has always been the victim has been affected by instability in the career progression of its staff.
“The few trained officers are also caught up with the Public Service Rules, thereby creating a vacuum and shortage of qualified manpower in the Legislative Service. Hence, the need to increase the retirement age as proposed in the Bill to fill the vacuum and maximise the knowledge and experience acquired by the few staff and build the capacity of the young staff of the National Assembly Service in Nigeria
“Considering the importance of Legislative Service as a specialised service globally, the passage of the Bill into law will strengthen the legislature and bring it in conformity with international best practices as an arm of government as similar legislation is provided by other arms of government.”