Workers of the National Assembly have raised concerns over poor welfare, unpaid allowances, and salary disparities, saying the issues are undermining their wellbeing and ability to work effectively.
Some employees staged a peaceful protest at the lobby of the Senate and House of Representatives chambers before plenary, demanding improved remuneration and payment of outstanding entitlements.
The aggrieved workers listed several grievances, including the non-implementation of the national minimum wage, unpaid housing and wardrobe allowances, inadequate Sallah bonuses for Muslim staff, salary irregularities, and alleged short payments by the National Assembly Service Commission.
During the protest, demonstrators carried placards bearing messages such as “Hunger in the Commission Staff,” “Medical for All,” and “Staff are Dying of Hardship.”
Although the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) later distanced itself from the demonstration, the workers maintained that their concerns centre on survival and workplace welfare.
One of the placards read, “Staff are Dying of Hardship,” while another declared, “Hunger in the Commission Staff.”
The protesting employees said delays in salaries and allowances had left many struggling to meet basic needs, with some reportedly falling ill because they could not access adequate medical care.
They called for urgent intervention by management to address what they described as years of neglect.
PASAN, through its Acting Chairman, Mathias Obaje, said the protest had not been authorised by the union and disclosed that the organisers had been suspended.
The association urged members to remain calm and channel grievances through established mechanisms, while commending management for ongoing efforts aimed at improving staff welfare.
Despite the union’s position, participants in the protest insisted that the action reflected widespread frustration among National Assembly workers who believe their welfare concerns have not received adequate attention.
