National Assembly workers request extension of retirement age to 65 years

He stated that the extension of number of service years or retirement age was expedient as there was a dearth of qualified staff in the Legislature resulting from interruption of democracy by Nigeria’s military.

“The Legislature, which has always been the victim in the event of military takeover of government, has been affected by instability in the career progression of its workers,’’ he added.

Sabiyi explained that the number of trained officers in the Legislature had been further depleted by the Public Service Rule of 60 years of age or 35 years of service.

This, he also explained, had created a vacuum and a shortage of qualified manpower in the legislative service.

He stressed that there was a need to extend National Assembly workers’ retirement age as proposed in a bill before the National Assembly to maximise the knowledge and experience of the few trained staff.

Sabiyi stated that the extension of the retirement age would also build the capacity of young employees of the National Assembly Service.

“Considering the importance of legislative service as a specialised service globally, the passage of the bill into law will strengthen the legislature and bring it into conformity with international best practices,’’ he stressed.