The National Assembly has trained no fewer than 3,010 Legislative Aides of the 10th Assembly as part of efforts to strengthen professionalism, capacity and efficiency in legislative service.
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the training programme held at A-Class Event Centre, Wuse II, Abuja.
Ogunlana said the programme, which commenced on August 18, provided participants with opportunities for learning, knowledge sharing and interaction on topical issues relevant to their responsibilities.He commended Periscope Consulting Ltd, the lead consultant, resource persons, management staff and all participants for their contributions to the success of the programme, noting that capacity building remained a priority for the National Assembly.
According to him, the National Assembly’s world-class infrastructure and facilities must be matched by a well-equipped, knowledgeable and effective workforce capable of supporting the institution in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
The Clerk encouraged Legislative Aides to continue their professional and academic development, urging them to make use of the National Assembly’s research and information resources, including its library.
He also highlighted opportunities available through the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) for those seeking further academic and professional development.
On welfare, Ogunlana reiterated that the wellbeing of Legislative Aides remained a priority, particularly issues relating to accommodation and access to healthcare.
He expressed concern over the accommodation challenges faced by some aides who live far from their principals, noting that proximity could enhance coordination, synergy and efficiency.
Ogunlana recalled the former Apo Quarters arrangement, where Members of the National Assembly and many of their Legislative Aides lived in close proximity, and suggested that government could consider reviewing the monetisation policy to provide appropriate official accommodation for National Assembly Members and personnel.
On healthcare, he disclosed that the increasing demands placed on the National Assembly Clinic by Legislative Aides and their families had stretched existing facilities, but said the leadership was already addressing the challenge.
He revealed that a new medical facility, equipped with modern equipment and supported by specialists in various fields of medicine, was being developed and was expected to become operational by about the same period the following year.
The Clerk also urged Legislative Aides to ensure that their records of service were properly updated ahead of the terminal date of the 10th Assembly to facilitate the processing of their severance allowances when due.
He explained that severance allowance was payable to aides who had served for more than half of the lifespan of an Assembly, subject to applicable rules and guidelines.
Ogunlana further called for consideration of the existing severance template, particularly in cases where multiple Legislative Aides had served the same Member in the same capacity and for the same tenure.
Commending the participants for their discipline throughout the training, he said Management had received no reports of incidents involving participants, describing their conduct as exemplary.
As the country approaches the general elections, Ogunlana urged the Legislative Aides to conduct themselves responsibly and in accordance with the law.
He charged them to translate the knowledge acquired during the training into improved performance, stressing that the completion of the programme should mark the beginning of renewed commitment to professionalism, continuous development and excellence in legislative service.
He thereafter formally declared the training programme for Legislative Aides of the 10th National Assembly closed.
