The Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Mr. Kamaru Ogunlana, on Monday declared open a three-day leadership and capacity-building programme for Directors of the National Assembly in Kano, called for strengthened discipline and improved corporate governance within the legislature’s bureaucracy.
Represented by the Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, Engr. Bashir Aminu Yero, Ogunlana described the training themed “Leadership Masterclass for Effective Corporate Governance” as timely for enhancing professionalism across an institution with more than 4,000 staff, including over 200 directors.
He said management remains committed to continuous staff development, noted that more than 3,000 workers and legislative aides have benefitted from capacity-building programmes this year, including several international courses.
Highlighting welfare reforms under his leadership, Ogunlana listed the payment of outstanding arrears, prompt salaries, regular release of departmental imprest, first 28-day allowances for new staff and aides, procurement of utility vehicles, and major upgrades to the National Assembly Clinic. He also disclosed efforts to secure full institutional ownership of National Assembly complexes in Lagos and Abuja, alongside plans to strengthen pension and gratuity systems.
Acknowledging concerns raised by directors including stalled promotions, unclear reporting lines and inadequate office space Ogunlana appealed for patience, stressing that some challenges are tied to budgetary constraints. He commended the formation of the National Assembly Forum of Directors, describing it as a positive step towards participatory administration.
However, Ogunlana issued a firm warning over recent “misinformed and illegal attempts” by some staff to picket the National Assembly. He said intelligence indicated that three GL09 officers and about 75 contributors, including a director, opened a bank account to fund the planned protest. The account has been frozen, and contributors are under investigation for possible prosecution.
He dismissed circulating allegations — including claims of short payment of salaries and interference in union affairs as “baseless and entirely false,” reminding directors of their responsibility to uphold decorum, service rules and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
“As senior officers, you must safeguard the institution by modelling the right standards,” he said, warned that any disruption of parliamentary activities constitutes a threat to national security.
Ogunlana thanked the organisers, facilitators and participants, and officially declared the programme open, urging directors to fully engage and maximise the benefits of the training.
