National Assembly service commission staff protest over hardship, welfare neglect

Staff of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) on Wednesday staged a protest at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, barricading the main entrance in anger over what they described as worsening hunger, economic hardship, and neglect by management.

The aggrieved workers, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards, decried their deteriorating welfare, alleging that many staff members were “dying of hunger and sickness” due to the Commission’s failure to address their concerns.

They accused the leadership of neglecting staff welfare and refusing to pay entitlements, insisting that their grievances can no longer be ignored.

The protesters vowed to sustain the demonstration until the Executive Chairman of the Commission meets their demands.

“So many millions and billions have been given out by management staff that they are still suffering,” they said.

The staff accused the Commission’s leadership of insensitivity to their plight, citing unpaid allowances, poor welfare conditions, and the rising cost of living that has left many workers struggling to survive.

The protesters carried placard with various inscriptions including “DFA Mr. No Money”, “Our Management Failed Us”, “Where is our Saviour?”, “Hunger in the Commission Staff”, “Hunger is Killing Commission Staff”, “Medical for All”, “Commission Staff Dying of Sickness”, “Staff are dying of hardship”, amongst others.

They lamented that their salaries could not feed their families anymore as prices of things are rising daily, adding that the Commission management had done nothing to cushion the effects of the growing hardship.

They further lamented that they have made appeals, but there has been no positive response from the commission.

The protest comes amid widespread demonstrations by Nigerian workers across several sectors, as inflation and food prices continue to climb.

The National Bureau of Statistics recently reported that inflation stood at 20.12 per cent, with the Consumer Price Index, which tracks the average change in prices of goods and services, inched up to 126.8 points in August from 125.9 points in July.

Labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have in recent months threatened strikes over what they describe as the government’s failure to implement adequate palliatives following the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023.

The National Assembly Service Commission, which oversees staff appointments and welfare in the National Assembly, has previously faced criticism from workers over delayed promotions and welfare-related issues.

As of press time, the Commission officials had not issued any formal response to the protest.