Poor welfare: House of Assembly workers lock out Speaker, other lawmakers in Akwa Ibom

By Kendi Jumbo

The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) on Monday shut the State House of Assembly complex over sundry issues bordering on staff welfare.

Top among the issues raised by the union, included the refusal of Akwa Ibom State Government to implement “the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure, CONLESS”, which has been enjoyed by parliamentary staff in other States of the nation.

Lawmakers and other staff could not gain access to the building.

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Complex

Available information has it that the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno may be presenting the 2025 appropriation bill (budget) to the House in weeks, hence the strike, if not called off, may hamper the process.

CONLESS

The Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) standardizes salaries for Nigeria’s legislative arm members and civil servants.

Established in 2007 by the National Assembly Service Commission, CONLESS aims to ensure fairness and uniformity across federal and state levels.

CONLESS provides a standardized salary scale for legislative members and staff, along with allowances for housing, transportation, and meal subsidies.

It also includes pension scheme and health insurance benefits.

While some states, such as Lagos and Rivers, have adopted CONLESS and paid salaries accordingly, others have not.

This disparity has sparked controversy and debates about fairness and equity.

Inconsistent implementation across states, funding constraints, and criticisms of excessive allowances and benefits are significant challenges facing CONLESS.

Despite these issues, CONLESS has harmonized legislative salaries nationwide, enhanced staff welfare and motivation, and fostered transparency in legislative compensation.

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