The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly Chapter, has said it is not part of the protest that happened on Tuesday. A group claimed to be National Assembly workers and accused the management of ignoring staff welfare.
The protesters gathered inside the National Assembly complex. They chanted “Solidarity Forever” and called for the national minimum wage to be paid. They also demanded payment of unpaid allowances, salary adjustments, and better welfare packages for workers.
They said that many complaints about unpaid benefits, salary issues, and welfare problems have not led to any action. This situation pushed them to go public with their grievances.
But PASAN quickly distanced itself from the protest. They called it unauthorized and said the people behind it do not represent the union. They added that these individuals do not have the right to speak for parliamentary workers.
PASAN is the union for employees of legislative bodies in Nigeria. This includes staff at the National Assembly, the National Assembly Service Commission, State Houses of Assembly, and other legislative bodies.
In a statement called “Rejoinder and Disclaimer on the Purported Protest by a Group Styling Itself as Concerned Staff,” the Acting Chairman of PASAN, National Assembly Chapter, Mathias Obaje, said the union did not approve or support the protest.
“The Union wishes to categorically state that the said protest was neither authorised, endorsed, nor supported by PASAN at any level,” Mr Obaje said.
“Consequently, the actions, statements and representations made by the group do not reflect the position, objectives or aspirations of PASAN and its members.”
PASAN also mentioned that the main people behind the protest are no longer recognized members. They have been suspended by the union’s National Executive Council (NEC).
The statement said the suspension was approved in a properly held NEC meeting in Bauchi State.
The union explained that the suspended individuals do not have the authority to act or speak for PASAN.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the principal actors and promoters of the said protest are no longer recognised members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, having been duly suspended from the Union by the National Executive Council,” the statement said.
“As a result of their suspension, they lack the authority, capacity, or legitimacy to act, speak, or make representations on behalf of PASAN or its members.”
While confirming its commitment to workers’ welfare, PASAN praised the National Assembly management for its efforts to improve staff welfare and working conditions.
The union said the management has shown a willingness to address workers’ concerns through talks and established channels.
It added that it is committed to constructive engagement and advocacy for its members instead of actions that could disrupt the legislature.
The association also called on workers to stay calm, obey the law, and focus on their duties.
PASAN assured management of its continued support in keeping industrial peace and stability while seeking better welfare for workers.
A history of disputes
This protest is not the first time PASAN has distanced itself from protests about workers' welfare at the National Assembly.
In October 2025, the union also disowned a protest planned by a group calling itself “Concerned PASAN Members.”
This group had threatened to demonstrate and picket the National Assembly complex when lawmakers returned from their break.
In a petition before the planned protest, they accused management of ignoring workers' welfare and not implementing several financial benefits. This included a 40 percent consolidated peculiar allowance, rent subsidies, salary adjustments, and the national minimum wage.
The threat led the National Assembly management to warn against any disruption of legislative activities.
In a circular from the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the Director of Human Resources and Staff Development, Essien Essien, warned that workers who took part in unauthorized protests would face disciplinary measures.
At that time, PASAN also distanced itself from the planned protest and told workers to stay at their posts while discussions with management were ongoing.
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