In response to the ongoing legislative discourse surrounding the retirement age for staff of the National Assembly Service, the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly Chapter, has issued a statement urging the Senate to consider and pass the Harmonised Retirement Age for Staff of National Assembly Service in Nigeria Bill, 2024.
The association highlights the history of the issue, citing the extension of the retirement age to 65 years or 40 years of service by the 8th National Assembly, which was subsequently reversed due to inconsistencies with existing legislation.
Following consultations and the introduction of various bills, the current iteration, introduced by the 10th House of Representatives, has gained significant support within the legislative body.
Emphasizing the importance of this legislation, the association underscores the need to address the shortage of qualified staff within the Legislative Arm of Government, which has been exacerbated by instability in career progression and adherence to Public Service Rules.
They argue that increasing the retirement age will help fill this vacuum and maximize the knowledge and experience of existing staff, while also building the capacity of younger staff members.
Furthermore, the association draws parallels with similar legislation in other sectors, such as the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act, 2022, and the Retirement Age of Staff of Polytechnics and Colleges of Education (Harmonisation) Act, 2012, to highlight the necessity of aligning retirement policies with international best practices.
Also, the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria urges the Senate to pass the Harmonised Retirement Age for Staff of National Assembly Service in Nigeria Bill into law, emphasizing its significance in stabilizing and developing capacity within the National Assembly Service, sustaining democracy, and upholding the doctrine of separation of powers.
