ABUJA/Nigeria: The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) has announced the immediate suspension of its ongoing nationwide strike, as conveyed by the Association’s National President, Comrade Mohammed Usman, in a recently issued statement.
Usman highlighted the collaborative efforts made by the Association in addressing the underlying issues leading to the widespread strike. He specifically pointed to the 15th November, 2023 meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) as a pivotal moment demonstrating unwavering support and a strong commitment to meeting PASAN’s demands.
During this meeting, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria resolved to establish a joint committee comprising relevant stakeholders. The committee’s primary objective is to ensure adherence to the constitutional provisions, particularly concerning the implementation of Financial Autonomy for State Houses of Assembly.
Furthermore, the Speakers’ Conference determined that key instruments essential for Financial Autonomy, such as the Disbursement Committee and the House of Assembly Service Commission Funds Management Bill, must be enacted by each State Assembly. These enactments necessitate the assent of the respective State Governors on or before the 22nd of December, 2023.
Comrade Usman emphasized the Speakers’ resolution stipulating that the full implementation of Financial Autonomy for State Houses of Assembly should commence across all states on or before the 31st of January, 2024.
Highlighting the conditions for the strike suspension, Comrade Usman underscored the importance of demonstrating a serious commitment to incorporating the financial implications of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Scale (CONLESS) within the 2024 budget across all states.
Expressing a firm stance, Usman made it clear that failure to meet any of these conditions by the 1st of February, 2024, would compel PASAN to resume the nationwide strike.
To ensure compliance with the suspension, Comrade Usman directed the Central Working Committee (CWC) and National Executive Council (NEC) of PASAN to take necessary measures.
