- Abbas pushes reforms for transparent Clerk appointments in NASC.
- Amendments aim to ensure merit-based recruitment and end controversies.
- Amshi highlights challenges, successes, and leadership transitions in NASC.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, announced on Monday that legislative efforts are underway to amend the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) Act to ensure merit-based and transparent processes in appointing the Clerk to the National Assembly.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the amendments, co-sponsored by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, aim to introduce reforms to address longstanding challenges in the system.
The Clerk to the National Assembly oversees the administrative and bureaucratic operations of the legislature, a role critical to its smooth functioning. In a statement issued by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krisha, Abbas decried the persistent controversies surrounding the appointment process. He emphasized that legislative staff with proven expertise should lead the federal parliament’s bureaucracy.
Speaking during the presentation of an exit report by the 5th Commission of the NASC, led by Chairman Ahmed Amshi, Abbas said, “The recurring crisis in appointing the Clerk to the National Assembly highlights the need for urgent reforms. This lack of a well-defined succession plan undermines the stability and efficiency of the legislative arm of government.”
The proposed amendments to the NASC Act seek to establish clear qualifications and processes for key appointments, ensuring transparency and eliminating promotion controversies. Abbas noted that the reforms would also provide clear career progression paths for new entrants, aligning with the broader vision of the Commission.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to work closely with the NASC in building an efficient, professional, and productive legislative service. “Through collective efforts, we will ensure the National Assembly continues to grow to meet the evolving needs of the legislature and the constituents we represent,” Abbas said.
The Speaker also acknowledged the progress made by the NASC over the past five years, noting its efforts to enhance institutional capacity despite facing challenges. He lauded the outgoing Chairman, Ahmed Amshi, and his team for their dedication, particularly in strengthening the foundation of the legislative process.
Abbas further highlighted the need for the NASC to focus on recruiting skilled personnel, enhancing workforce capacity, and fostering a disciplined, professional bureaucracy. “A well-trained and disciplined workforce forms the foundation of an effective legislature,” he stated.
Earlier, Ahmed Amshi presented a 13-page report detailing the successes and challenges of the Commission. He revealed that the outgoing Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Tambuwal, would retire in five days, and the incoming Clerk, Kamoru Ogunlana, would work with the outgoing NASC board for a brief period before its tenure ends.
Abbas concluded by emphasizing the importance of continuous innovation and commitment to excellence, stating that the journey to building a strong, independent, and productive legislature is ongoing.
