The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., has disclosed that a new world-class medical facility is being developed for the National Assembly and is expected to become operational by about this time next year.
Ogunlana made the disclosure during his closing address at the closing ceremony of the training programme for Legislative Aides of the 10th National Assembly held at A-Class Event Centre, along Kashim Ibrahim Way, Wuse II, Abuja.
The training programme, which commenced on August 18, has so far trained 3,010 Legislative Aides.
Addressing the participants, Ogunlana said the welfare of Legislative Aides remained high on his priority list, noting that some aides face difficulties accessing accommodation and medical services.
He said the National Assembly Clinic, which was designed primarily to cater for lawmakers, career staff and their families, had been placed under additional pressure by the growing demands of Legislative Aides and their families.
“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,” Ogunlana said.
He added that the facility was expected to become operational by about the same time next year.
On accommodation, the Clerk said proximity between lawmakers and their Legislative Aides could enhance synergy, coordination and efficiency.
He recalled the period when members of the National Assembly were accommodated at the former Apo Quarters in Abuja, where many Legislative Aides also lived close to their Principals.
According to him, the arrangement was affected by the Federal Government’s monetisation policy.
Ogunlana said Government might consider reviewing the policy to provide appropriate official accommodation for Members and personnel of the National Assembly, adding that such an arrangement could provide significant relief to Legislative Aides.
The Clerk also urged Legislative Aides to ensure that their records of service were properly updated ahead of the terminal date of the 10th Assembly.
He explained that accurate records would enable Management to process severance allowances efficiently when due.
“As you are aware, severance allowance is payable to Legislative Aides who have served for more than half of the lifespan of an Assembly, subject to the applicable rules and guidelines,” he said.
Ogunlana, however, said he personally believed that the existing template for severance benefits might require review to address situations where multiple Legislative Aides had served the same Member, in the same capacity and for the same tenure. He described the matter as one worthy of consideration by the appropriate authorities.
On capacity building, Ogunlana said the National Assembly could not have world-class infrastructure and facilities without investing equally in the personnel who operate and support the institution.
“Given this standing, our personnel must also be well equipped, knowledgeable and effective,” he said.
He encouraged the Legislative Aides to continue developing their knowledge and make use of the National Assembly’s research and information resources, including its library.
He also directed those interested in further academic and professional development to explore opportunities at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
Commending the participants for their conduct throughout the training, Ogunlana said Management had not received reports of ugly incidents involving participants.
He urged the aides to conduct themselves responsibly as the country approaches the general elections and to operate within the provisions of the law.
The Clerk appreciated the Chairman and members of the National Assembly Service Commission, Management, Periscope Consulting Ltd, the resource persons, participants, Directors and Heads of Departments, particularly the Directorate of Training and Development, as well as members of the Press, for their contributions to the success of the programme.
He urged the Legislative Aides to put the knowledge gained during the training into practice, saying the programme should mark “not the end of learning, but the beginning of a renewed commitment to professionalism, continuous development and excellence in legislative service.”
Ogunlana subsequently declared the training programme for Legislative Aides of the 10th National Assembly formally closed. This version gives the new medical facility the strongest news angle while still preserving the important accommodation, severance, training and election-related statements.
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