…assures 14,000 staff of world-class medical centre
The National Assembly has appealed to the Federal Government to review its monetisation policy on official accommodation, saying the policy has created a wide gap between lawmakers and their legislative aides and affected service delivery.
Kamoru Ogunlana, the clerk of the National Assembly, made the call in Abuja on Thursday while delivering his closing remarks at the end of a one-month training programme for legislative aides.
Ogunlana said the accommodation difficulties faced by aides, particularly those living far from their principals, could undermine coordination and efficiency in legislative duties.
“I am mindful of the accommodation difficulties faced by some of you, particularly those who live far from your Principals. Proximity between Members and their Legislative Aides can promote synergy, coordination and efficiency.
“This reminds me of the period when Members were accommodated at the former Apo Quarters in Abuja, where many Legislative Aides also lived close to their Principals.
“That arrangement was affected by the Federal Government’s monetisation policy.
“I believe Government may wish to consider reviewing the policy, with a view to providing appropriate official accommodation for Members and personnel of the National Assembly.
“Such an arrangement could also provide significant relief to Legislative Aides and improve coordination with their Principals,” he said.
The Clerk also assured legislative aides, other National Assembly staff and their families that improved medical services would soon be available through a new medical facility currently under construction.
He said the existing National Assembly Clinic had been stretched by the increasing demands placed on it by legislative aides and their families.
“I am also mindful of the challenges some of you face in accessing medical services.
“The National Assembly Clinic was designed primarily to cater for lawmakers, career staff and their families, and the additional demands created by Legislative Aides and their families have stretched the existing facilities.
“I am pleased to inform you that the present leadership is already addressing this challenge.
“A new, world-class medical facility is currently being developed and will be equipped with modern medical facilities and supported by experts in various fields of medicine. We expect the facility to become operational by about this time next year.”
Ogunlana further urged the aides to update their records of service ahead of the terminal date of the 10th National Assembly, saying the records would be required for the processing of their severance benefits.
“As we approach the terminal date of the 10th Assembly, I enjoin you to ensure that your records of service are properly updated.
“This is necessary to enable Management to process your severance allowances efficiently when due,” he said.
