Abia parliamentary workers begin indefinite strike

Parliamentary workers in Abia State have commenced an indefinite strike over the government’s failure to implement legislative financial autonomy, disrupting activities at the state assembly complex.

On Monday, members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) barricaded the entrance to the assembly complex, preventing access while placing a strike notice at the main gate.

Speaking to journalists, PASAN’s Abia State Chairman, Sunday Kalu, stated that the strike follows directives from the union’s national body after the government failed to meet demands despite multiple ultimatums issued on November 19, 2024, and January 30, 2025. These demands include the implementation of financial autonomy, the Consolidated Legislative Structure (CONLESS), and administrative autonomy.

Kalu recalled that the union had embarked on a warning strike in 2023, which was suspended after negotiations with the government. However, he lamented that no progress has been made since then.

“The government formed a commission after our persistent demands, but it is not functioning,” Kalu said, emphasizing that financial autonomy is a constitutional right under Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He further decried the lack of administrative independence, revealing that workers’ personnel files had been transferred to the Office of the Head of Service, making it difficult for them to process promotions and manage records.

“We are still begging the Executive for our salaries and allowances. Our service commission should be granting us administrative autonomy, but it is currently ineffective. This has completely stalled our activities,” he added.

With the indefinite strike now in effect, legislative activities in Abia State remain at a standstill as PASAN insists on its demands being met.