Effective legislature key to strengthening democracy in Nigeria-NASC
By Elizabeth Oyeniwa
The National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) has emphasized that building an effective and well-structured legislature remains central to strengthening democracy in Nigeria, urging stronger collaboration with State Houses of Assembly Service Commissions to achieve this goal.
Speaking during an interactive session with the Ondo State House of Assembly Service Commission members and staff as part of their working visit to the state in Akure on Wednesday, Dr. Afeez Ipesa Balogun, Commissioner representing the South-West Zone in NASC, commended the Ondo State Government and the Assembly for their warm reception and hospitality.
“We have been here since yesterday. The purpose of our visit is to interact with you on the activities and operations of the Ondo State House of Assembly Service Commission and to render support to enable your commission carry out its functions effectively,” Balogun said.
He stressed that the central mandate of the commission is to ensure adequate manpower for effective legislation, noting that strong legislative institutions are critical to democratic growth.
“The establishment of the National Assembly Service Commission in 2000, and its amendment in 2014, was to provide a dedicated workforce ideal for the complexities of lawmaking. This unique service, separate from the mainstream civil service, enhances professionalism, dedication, and loyalty in the legislative system. These values must also reflect in State Assembly Service Commissions,” he added.
Balogun also highlighted the structure of the NASC, which includes a Chairman and twelve members representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“Inadequate funding and lack of autonomy are challenges we all face, but we are engaging with state governments to ensure a robust and independent legislative bureaucracy,” he assured.
On his part, the Chairman of the Ondo State House of Assembly Service Commission, Dare Emiola, welcomed the delegation, describing the visit as historic.
“This is the first working visit of the National Assembly Service Commission to Ondo State, and we received the notice with excitement. It represents openness and opportunities for collaboration,” Emiola said.
He emphasized that the Commission plays a vital role in recruitment, training, discipline, and welfare of legislative staff, which are key to effective lawmaking, representation, and oversight functions.
“Like other states, we face challenges such as inadequate funding, insufficient training opportunities, infrastructural gaps, and the urgent need for greater autonomy. However, with support from the NASC, platforms like this will open new channels for solutions,” Emiola explained.
He praised the Ondo State Governor,Hon. Aiyedatiwa, for his support in creating an enabling environment for the Commission’s operations, as well as the Speaker and members of the State Assembly for their cooperation.
While wishing the visitors a fruitful stay, Emiola reaffirmed Ondo’s commitment to building enduring bridges of cooperation for the growth of democratic institutions in Nigeria.
The visit, according to both leaders, will deepen ties between the National Assembly Service Commission and State Assembly Commissions, standardize best practices, and boost staff morale.
The delegation, which included top bureaucrats and directors from the NASC, assured the Ondo Commission of its readiness to advocate for administrative and financial autonomy for State Assemblies.
Also speaking, the Clerk of the House, Mr. Benjamin Jaiyeola, appealed to the representatives of the National Assembly Service Commission to use their good offices to ensure that the House of Assembly Service Commission is statutorily included in Section 197 of the Constitution.
The Commission’s Secretary, Amos Olowogorioye, highlighted some of the Commission’s achievements, including the appointment of the current Clerk and Secretary, the amendment of its law to extend tenure from four years to five years, as well as the timely promotion and conversion of officers, among others.
Olowogorioye expressed confidence that more milestones would be achieved, stressing that the State Service Commission remains fully determined to make a difference.
In her remarks, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) Comrade Helen Oluwafemi noted that one of the most pressing challenges facing the body is the non-implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) in Ondo State.
She called for the support of the delegation in addressing the matter, pointing out that their counterparts in neighboring Ekiti State are already benefiting from CONLESS.
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