NASS Clerk Ogunlana Flags Off Directors’ Leadership Training, Warns Against Indiscipline.
By Comfort Chukwukelue
The Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Mr. Kamaru Ogunlana, on Monday declared open a three-day leadership and capacity-building programme for Directors of the National Assembly in Kano, with a strong call for discipline, accountability, and strengthened corporate governance within the federal legislature’s bureaucracy.
Speaking through the Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, Engr. Bashir Aminu Yero, Ogunlana described the training tagged “Leadership Masterclass for Effective Corporate Governance” as timely for an institution he called one of the “biggest and busiest legislative bodies in the world.”
He noted that the National Assembly currently boasts over 4,000 career staff, including more than 200 directors who occupy critical administrative and technical roles. Despite describing the workforce as the “most experienced and most educated” in the Assembly’s history, he said management remains committed to continuous training. According to him, more than 3,000 staff and legislative aides have already benefited from capacity-building programmes this year, including international workshops and conferences.
Ogunlana outlined key welfare strides since assuming office on February 2, including the clearance of longstanding salary arrears, consistent and prompt salary payments, regular departmental imprest, commencement of first 28-day allowances for new staff and aides, procurement of utility vehicles, and major upgrades at the National Assembly Clinic, particularly in laboratory capacity.
He also reaffirmed ongoing efforts to secure official ownership of the National Assembly complexes in Lagos and Abuja, as well as plans to reform pension and gratuity systems to ensure staff receive adequate benefits after retirement.
Addressing concerns raised by directors, Ogunlana acknowledged issues such as delayed promotions due to limited vacancies, structurally unhealthy reporting arrangements, and insufficient office accommodation. He urged patience, saying some of the problems require budgetary adjustments and long-term reforms.
He praised the formation of the National Assembly Forum of Directors, noting that it aligns with his administration’s goal of democratizing decision-making and improving communication between management and senior staff.
In a strongly worded section of his address, Ogunlana condemned what he described as an “uninformed and illegal attempt” by some staff to picket the National Assembly in a bid to disrupt legislative activities.
He revealed that organizers, including three Grade Level 09 officers opened a bank account to mobilize funds for the action, with about 75 staff, including a Director, making contributions. The account, he said, has been frozen, and those involved are being investigated for possible prosecution.
Ogunlana dismissed the allegations that triggered the attempted picketing, including claims of interference in union affairs and short-payment of salaries as “baseless and entirely false.”
He reminded directors of their responsibility to model discipline, enforce service rules, and protect the integrity of the legislature, stressing that any attempt to disrupt parliamentary work constitutes a national security risk under the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.
“As senior officers, you must safeguard the institution by modelling the right standards,” he said. “The National Assembly is a security zone. Any conduct capable of disrupting legislative activities undermines national stability.”
Ogunlana commended the organisers, training secretariat, resource persons, and directors for their commitment to strengthening the institution. He formally declared the training open, urging participants to fully engage and maximise the learning opportunity.
The three-day programme aims to equip directors with modern leadership tools, reinforce ethical standards, and strengthen corporate governance practices across the National Assembly’s administrative structure.
