Workers at the National Assembly, have called for an extension in the age of retirement from 40 to 65 years, News About Nigeria reports.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PSAN), Mr. Sunday Sabiyi, made this demand to the Senate on Thursday.
He urged the House of Senate to pass the demand of the workers into law, stating that it would be beneficial to the legislature.
According to him, the number of service years or retirement age must be extended, adding that there was a dearth of qualified staff in the Legislature resulting from the interruption of democracy by Nigeria’s military.
He maintained that the Legislature, which has always been the victim in the event of a military takeover of government, has been affected by instability in the career progression of its workers.
He also stated that extending the retirement age will maximise the knowledge and experience of the few trained staff, as the number of trained officers in the Legislature has been further depleted by the Public Service Rule of 60 years of age or 35 years of service.
“Considering the importance of legislative service as a specialised service globally, the passage of the bill into law will strengthen the legislature and bring it into conformity with international best practices,” he stated.
Recall that the 8th Assembly, by resolution, passed the National Assembly Service Staff Regulations 2019, extending the retirement age for staff to 65 years of age or 40 years of service.
The harmonised retirement age for staff of both legislative houses was later introduced by the 9th House of Representatives but was not passed.
