By Anayo Akwitti
The National Assembly has opposed staff promotions influenced by external considerations rather than merit, insisting that personnel training should be handled by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
The position was made known by the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Kamoru Ogunlana, during a three-day retreat for top management of the National Assembly and the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) in Abuja on Friday.
Ogunlana said appointments and promotions in the National Assembly Service must be guided by merit, competence, experience and performance, in line with the National Assembly Service Act 2014 and the applicable Scheme of Service.
He warned that promotions influenced by considerations outside the established legal framework could lead to litigation, administrative embarrassment and institutional instability.
According to him, placing factors such as personal connections or place of origin above seniority, experience and competence could result in officers occupying positions they lack the capacity to handle effectively.
The CNA also called for an end to ad-hoc staff training arrangements, describing them as unsustainable amid limited financial resources.
He urged the National Assembly to make greater use of NILDS as its central platform for professional training and staff development.
Ogunlana said National Assembly personnel require continuous training in legislative practice, parliamentary procedures, policy analysis, research, digital technology, public financial management, ethics and leadership.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of NASC, Chief Saviour Enyiekere, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to building a disciplined, competent and responsive legislative service.
He said the commission would continue to promote merit, respect due process, improve staff welfare and encourage officers to contribute meaningfully to institutional development.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, were represented at the ceremony.
