National Assembly Complex
A battle over Nigeria’s legislative pension system has ignited fierce opposition from the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), which is warning that a bill to repeal the National Assembly Service Pension Board Act, 2023, would devastate the welfare of thousands of current and retired staff.
The bill proposes to scrap the recently introduced pension reforms—widely seen as a breakthrough—returning workers to the discredited Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
PASAN calls the move “short-sighted and unjust,” arguing it would strip workers of vital benefits and undermine decades of progress in protecting legislative staff.
“This is a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to honoring its public servants,” said a PASAN spokesperson.
“Repealing this law signals a dangerous disregard for the dignity of workers who have dedicated their careers to the nation’s democracy.”
The union highlighted constitutional violations, opaque language threatening timely payments, and the removal of crucial safeguards against fund mismanagement. Meanwhile, discontent simmers among retirees, who accuse lawmakers of protecting their own privileges while pushing to reduce staff benefits.
PASAN is mobilizing civil society, labour groups, and Nigerians nationwide to stand against what it terms an “attack on justice and institutional integrity.” As the National Assembly prepares to debate the bill, many watch closely, aware that the outcome will send a powerful message about Nigeria’s respect for its workforce.