A fierce showdown is unfolding in the National Assembly as the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) vehemently opposes a bill seeking to repeal the National Assembly Service Pension Board Act, 2023.
The proposed repeal would return legislative staff to the controversial Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS)—a move PASAN slams as “deceptive, retrogressive, and cruel.” The 2023 law, praised for restoring financial dignity to retired staff, is now under threat, triggering outrage and warnings of renewed hardship.
“This bill is not a reform—it’s a betrayal,” PASAN declared at a public hearing, listing 14 reasons why the repeal would violate the Constitution, erase key benefits, and revive a system widely viewed as corrupt and ineffective.
Retirees expressed dismay, accusing lawmakers of hypocrisy. “They want us to die poor while they keep lifetime perks,” a retired staff member said. PASAN is now rallying public support to stop what it calls “an assault on dignity and justice.”
With legislative debate imminent, the fate of thousands of past and present staff hangs in the balance.
