HOUSE COMMITTEE COMMISERATES WITH NASC OVER OFFICER’S DEATH …Issues Ultimatum on Office Project, Threatens Contract Revocation

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Service Matters has expressed sympathy to the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) over the sudden passing of one of its staff members, Mr. Titus Apollos.

During its oversight visit to the Commission on Wednesday, the Committee observed a minute of silence in honor of the late officer. Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Sani Umar Bala, who conveyed the condolences on behalf of members, commiserated with the Commission and the bereaved family, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased.

At the same visit, the Committee issued a strong warning to contractors handling the construction of the NASC office complex, directing them to deliver the project by November or risk revocation of the contract.

Mr. Apollos had reportedly been battling an illness and was receiving treatment at Garki General Hospital at the expense of the Commission. He was said to have visited the office recently to seek additional financial support, which was allegedly not immediately available.

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Chief Saviour Enyiekere, informed the Committee about the officer’s demise and the efforts made by the Commission to support him during his illness. He expressed regret over the misrepresentation of facts surrounding the incident, stressing that staff welfare and wellbeing remain a central policy of the 6th Commission.

On the office project, the Committee expressed deep frustration over the prolonged delays, warning that it would not hesitate to recommend revocation of the contract and compel the contractors to refund government funds if the project is not completed by November. Hon. Sani Bala lamented that despite substantial payments already made, the contractors had failed to deliver as expected.

Earlier, Dr. Enyiekere had outlined some of the Commission’s pressing challenges, including lack of adequate office accommodation and insufficient funds for staff welfare. He appealed for the Committee’s support to ensure quick completion of the permanent office complex and called for urgent amendment of relevant laws to strengthen the Commission’s operations.

Emmanuel N. Anyigor
DD, Information/Spokesperson, NASC