National Assembly Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana Advocates Merit-Based Promotions

Kamoru Ogunlana, the Clerk to the National Assembly, warned against the promotion of legislative staff based on external influences rather than merit, competence, and experience. He stated that such practices could lead to legal challenges and administrative instability.

Ogunlana made these remarks on Saturday in Abuja during a three-day retreat for top management officials of the National Assembly and the National Assembly Service Commission at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. He emphasized that staff appointments and promotions must adhere to the National Assembly Service Act 2014 and the applicable scheme of service.

Ogunlana highlighted the risks of undermining merit and competence, which could result in positions being filled by individuals lacking the necessary qualifications. He also called for an end to ad hoc training arrangements, advocating for the use of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies to provide specialized training for legislative personnel.