We’re not opposed to 65-yr retirement age bill – National Assembly workers

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), a body of National Assembly workers, said it was not opposed to a proposed legislation seeking to extend their retirement age.

The bill, which has been passed by the House of Representatives and now before the Senate for concurrence, seeks an extension of the retirement age of staff of the National Assembly Service from 60 to 65 years of age and from 35 to 40 years in service whichever comes earlier.

There were reports last week that the move by the Senate to act on the bill had created ripples among the legislative staff, with some vehemently opposing the extension of service years.

Some of the staff urged the Senate to reject the bill in its entirety, saying it would affect the career progression of junior workers.

However, findings showed that staff of the National Assembly had during its Congress on December 4, 2023, issued a communique in which they supported the bill despite their earlier opposition.

“The Congress adopted the planned extension of five years in service for the teeming members as this will give staff the opportunity to grow for better service delivery,” the communique reads in part.

A copy of the communique seen by our correspondent was signed by Omagu Godwin (Chairman, Communique drafting committee), Gideon Nwaogu (Secretary), Sani Rabiat (Member) and Millicent Laz-Eke (Member).

Mr. Okpekor N. Okpa, who was also a member of the communique drafting committee, did not sign the document.