NASS trains 3, 500 legislative aides

The Management of the National Assembly set in motion machinery for career training of legislative aides to lawmakers at both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The training, which started on August 5 this year, has professionally empowered about 3,500 legislative aides at both chambers as planned by the clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Sani Magaji Tambawal.

Speaking at the opening ceremony for the ninth batch of the trainees in Abuja on Monday, National Assembly Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana said, as envisioned by the management , the training was geared towards transforming the legislative aides from temporary appointees of the lawmakers to career ones through acquisition of required professional knowledge and skills.

“Our ultimate goal from this knowledge-enhancing and capacity – building training is for legislative aides to transit from mere appointments into a lifelong career option, moving away from the perception of being merely temporary positions.

“With increased training and support, we can elevate the role of legislative aides in the National Assembly Service to one that is respected and integral to the fabric of governance in Nigeria.

“When we commenced this training program on the 5th of August this year, our target is to train 3500 legislative aides. I am glad to inform you that this we have fulfilled.

“This training program serves as more than just an educational platform; it is a vital initiative aimed at reinforcing the principles of democracy that underpin our nation,” he said.

He added that the training was conceptualised for enhancing skills and deepening understanding of legislative aides on parliamentary practices and processes.

He assured the legislative aides of prompt payments of their entitlements by the National Assembly Service Commission.

“Together let’s deepen our understanding of the tenets of democracy, empower ourselves with the skills needed to excel in our roles, and work towards enhancing the service we provide to the Nigerian people,” he stressed.

NASS trains 3, 500 legislative aides