General News
Accommodation, Healthcare: NASS Seeks Relief for Staff
The National Assembly, on Thursday, through its Clerk, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., appealed to the Federal Government to review its monetisation policy, particularly the non-provision of accommodation for civil and public service officers.
Ogunlana made the appeal in Abuja while delivering his closing remarks at the end of a one-month training programme for Legislative Aides.
According to him, the policy has created a wide gap between legislators and their aides in terms of accommodation, thereby affecting their efficiency and service delivery.
“I am mindful of the accommodation difficulties faced by some of you, particularly those who live far from their Principals. Proximity between Members and their Legislative Aides can promote synergy, coordination and efficiency.
“This reminds me of the period when Members were accommodated at the former Apo Quarters in Abuja, where many Legislative Aides also lived close to their Principals.
“That arrangement was affected by the Federal Government’s monetisation policy. I believe Government may wish to consider reviewing the policy, with a view to providing appropriate official accommodation for Members and personnel of the National Assembly.
“Such an arrangement could also provide significant relief to Legislative Aides and improve coordination with their Principals,” he said.
The Clerk also assured Legislative Aides, and by extension, the entire staff of the National Assembly and their families, that quality medical services would be available to them through a world-class medical centre currently under construction.
He said the facility was expected to become operational by about this time next year.
“I am also mindful of the challenges some of you face in accessing medical services.
“The National Assembly Clinic was designed primarily to cater for lawmakers, career staff and their families, and the additional demands created by Legislative Aides and their families have stretched the existing facilities.
“I am pleased to inform you that the present leadership is already addressing this challenge.
“A new, world-class medical facility is currently being developed and will be equipped with modern medical facilities and supported by experts in various fields of medicine. We expect the facility to become operational by about this time next year,” he said.
Ogunlana also admonished the Legislative Aides to begin updating their records of service in preparation for the payment of severance packages, as the terminal date of the 10th National Assembly draws closer.
“On Your Records and Severance Benefits
“As we approach the terminal date of the 10th Assembly, I enjoin you to ensure that your records of service are properly updated.
“This is necessary to enable Management to process your severance allowances efficiently when due,” he said.