NASS Service Bill will be passed – Civil Society Assures Nigerians

The Nigerian Civil Society has reacted to the Senate’s decision on Thursday, 22nd February, 2024 to step down concurrence to the Harmonized Retirement Age of Staff of National Assembly Service Bill, 2024, and assured Nigerians that the bill will eventually be passed into law.

Addressing newsmen on Friday in Abuja, the Spokesperson for the Nigerian Civil Society Centre, Mr. David Arumon expressed shock and called on the Senate to reconsider and concur to the bill in the overall interest of national development and security.

“We are shocked that the Nigerian Senate Stepped down this all-important Bill that is in the overall interest of our country”

“Apparently, some members of the Senate are not fully aware of the relevance, objectives and spirit of the bill, which has passed the third reading in the House of Representatives and awaiting their concurrence.”

“It is important to note that the bill is in the overall interest of the nation and not for the self-seeking gratification of just a few.”

“For all intents and purposes, the bill is widely accepted and considered by all genuine public-spirited Nigerians as a welcome development, and if passed will further boost public confidence, and entrench efficiency, experience, professionalism and optimal service delivery in the nation’s legislative bureaucracy.”

“We therefore call on the Nigerian Senate to as a matter of national interest, represent and reconsider the bill for concurrence at the earliest.”

While insisting that the bill has not been dropped by the Senate as widely speculated in many quarters, but stepped down, Mr. David assured Nigerians that the bill will be reconsidered for concurrence and eventually passed.

He then disclosed plan by the Centre to mobilize the Civil Society and other stakeholders in the coming days to press for the passage of this all-important bill into law.

The Harmonized Retirement Age of Staff of National Assembly Service Bill, 2024 had scaled third reading in the House of Representatives and was until Thursday 22nd February, 2024 awaiting concurrence at the Senate.