NASC Chairman Urges Senate President Akpabio to Inaugurate NASS Pension Board, Establish Council of Former Presiding Officers, Build Legislative Quarters

The Executive Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Chief Saviour Enyiekere, has appealed to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, to fast-track the implementation of the National Assembly Service Pension Scheme through the inauguration of the NASS Pension Board.

This is contained in a statement by E. N. Anyigor Director, Public Affairs
of the Commission and made available to journalists in Abuja.

Chief Enyiekere made the call during a courtesy visit to the Senate President on Thursday, January 29, 2026. He stressed that the formal take-off of the Pension Board would significantly improve the welfare of retirees of the National Assembly Service. According to him, many retired staff are currently experiencing severe hardships due to delays in accessing their pension entitlements after retirement.
He noted that inaugurating the Board would align the National Assembly with global best practices in parliamentary administration and staff motivation.
Beyond pension reforms, the NASC Chairman also urged the leadership of the National Assembly to support initiatives aimed at improving the smooth functioning of the federal legislature. One of such proposals is the establishment of a Council of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly to serve as a think tank and repository of institutional memory for the legislature. He explained that drawing on the experience of past leaders would offer valuable guidance to present and future assemblies, ensuring continuity, professionalism, and excellence in legislative traditions.
Addressing infrastructural concerns, Chief Enyiekere further appealed to Senator Akpabio to support the revival and construction of National Assembly Legislative Quarters. He said this would help address accommodation challenges and security concerns affecting lawmakers and National Assembly staff. According to him, a modern residential complex would enhance efficiency, security, and overall legislative operations.
The visit, which was the first since the inauguration of the 6th NASC on May 5, 2025, was also used to brief the Senate leadership on the Commission’s activities and future plans. Among these is a proposed staff audit of the National Assembly Service aimed at eliminating ghost workers.
In his response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the Commission for its foresight and dedication to its mandate, acknowledging the importance of the proposed reforms. He assured the NASC Chairman of the readiness of the 10th National Assembly to support the Commission in achieving its objectives.
Senator Akpabio urged the Commission to develop proposals to amend the NASS Act 2014 to enable it assume full control over manpower management across all segments of the National Assembly Service. He also disclosed that the National Assembly Pension Board would soon be inaugurated once outstanding anomalies in the Act—currently undergoing amendment—are addressed.
However, the Senate President advised the Commission to look into complaints arising from recent appointments and redeployment of senior officers within the National Assembly.