Jonathan signs NASS Service Act into law

President Goodluck Jonathan has signed into law the new National Assembly Service Act, 2014 for effective service delivery. 


The law allows for the creation of four directorates, to be headed by permanent secretary status, like was obtainable in the civil service, while clerk of the National Assembly would be at par with the head of Federal Civil Service.

The bill which was passed by the two chambers sought to repeal the National Assembly Service Commission Act Cap N7 Laws of the federation of Nigeria 2004 and enact the National Assembly Service Act 2004 to reorganise the management and administrative structure of the National Assembly for improved service delivery. Continue


 In the Federal Republic of Nigeria official gazette of the new law, the directorates of the National Assembly are as set out in the second schedule and the secretaries to the directorates shall be appointed by the commission in consultation with National Assembly management.

The secretaries to the directorate shall exercise general superintendence over the affairs of their respective directorates.

“Notwithstanding the provision of subsection(1) of this section, the commission, on the recommendation of management to the National Assembly shall establish such directorate, departments and divisions as exigencies may demand effective and efficient administration of the service,” the law read.

In exercising the power to make appointment pursuant to the provisions of sections 4 and 14 of this Act, consideration shall be given to seniority, cognate experience, competence or federal character.

There is an established fund for the commission which provision shall be made in the annual budget of the National Assembly.

There shall be paid and credited to the fund established under sub-section(1) of this section(a) such money as may, from time to time, be granted or deposited with the commission by the National Assembly, or any institution within the country.

b. All monies raised for the purpose of the commission by way of gift, loans, grants in aid, testamentary disposition or otherwise.

c. Proceeds from all other assets that may, from time to time, accrue to it.