The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Monday, said efforts are ongoing on bills seeking to amend the National Assembly Service Commission Act to ensure merit and transparency in the appointment of the Clerk to the National Assembly.
The bills which seek to bring about reforms in the system are being co-sponsored by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The Clerk to the National Assembly, who heads the bureaucratic arm of the National Assembly, oversees the workforce and administration of the complex, among other responsibilities.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media and Publicity, Musa Krisha, on Monday, Abbas lamented the controversies that usually surround the appointment of the National Assembly clerk, advocating that workers who have built their careers in the legislative line should head the bureaucracy of the federal parliament.
He stated this when the 5th Commission of the National Assembly Service Commission led by the Chairman, Ahmed Amshi, presented its exit report to him in Abuja.
He said, “One persistent challenge facing the National Assembly Service Commission has been the lack of a well-defined succession plan. The recurring crisis surrounding the appointment of the Clerk to the National Assembly and other key positions highlights the need for urgent reform.
“The absence of clarity in the succession plan undermines the service’s stability and efficiency. As the legislative arm of government, the National Assembly cannot afford such disruptions.
“To address this, I am pleased to inform you that the National Assembly, led by my counterpart in the Senate, His Excellency Sen Godswill Akpabio, along with myself, has initiated amendments to the NASC Act. These amendments aim to streamline the qualifications and processes for appointing key officers, thereby ensuring merit-based and transparent succession.
“Furthermore, the amendments will provide new entrants into the service with clear guidelines on career progression, eliminating controversies surrounding promotions and aligning the scheme of service with the broader vision of the Commission and the National Assembly.”
Abbas reaffirmed the commitment of the House to fostering a strong and collaborative partnership with the NASC.
partners, we commit to fostering an efficient, productive, and professional National Assembly Service,” he said, adding that through collective efforts, the House would ensure that the National Assembly “continues to grow and develop to serve the evolving and complex needs (of the National Assembly) and the constituents we represent,” the statement quoted Speaker Abbas as saying.
Justifying the need for reforms, Abbas added, “In contrast to the Federal Civil Service Commission and the Judicial Service Commission, which have long histories and greater resources, the NASC has faced significant challenges. Nevertheless, it has made impressive progress in enhancing the institutional capacity of the National Assembly, ensuring it meets its constitutional responsibilities.”
While congratulating the outgoing Chairman of the NASC and his team of commissioners, the Speaker stated that over the past five years, their stewardship advanced the commission’s mission and vision and strengthened the institutional backbone of the legislative process.
“Over the last 25 years, the National Assembly has achieved significant milestones. The legislature has transformed into a formidable institution, contributing to national development through effective lawmaking, oversight, and representation. “The remarkable growth of the various organs and agencies of the National Assembly highlights the importance of institutional development.
“However, we must not rest on our laurels. The journey to establish a strong, independent, and productive legislature requires continuous improvement, innovation, and a commitment to excellence,” he added.
The Speaker said the NASC must continue to focus on recruiting capable personnel with the requisite skill sets, enhancing the capacity of its workforce, and maintaining discipline within the Service.
“Without these essential elements, no institution can thrive. A well-trained and disciplined bureaucracy forms the foundation of an effective legislature. The National Assembly Service Commission must be primed to attract and retain the best talents while fostering a culture of professionalism and integrity,” he stated.
Earlier while presenting a 13-page document to the Speaker, Amshi highlighted the challenges and successes of the NASC in the last five years.
The chairman noted that the outgoing Clerk to the National Assembly, SaniTambuwal, would retire in five days’ time, while the outgoing NASC board would be working with the incoming Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana for only five days before the end of its tenure.
Punch