After assigning his duties to his deputy, Kamouroudeen Ogundele, Tambawal began his pre-retirement leave on November 1, 2024, in accordance with legislative norms.
In February 2025, Tambawal, who was confirmed in March 2023 after first taking over as acting Clerk to the National Assembly in November 2022, would celebrate his 60th birthday.
Tambuwal would not engage in any activities from the beginning of his pre-retirement vacation till he formally leaves his office, even if his official retirement is scheduled for February.
Other prominent staff leaving include the Senate Clerk, Chinedu Akabueze, the Senate Deputy Clerk, and the Deputy Clerk of the House of Representatives, according to an official document seen by reporters.
Eleven directors, six deputy directors, one assistant director, and two more National Assembly Service Commission directors will also be leaving.
Tinubu Turns Down a Bill to Extend Parliamentary Staff Tenure
This major change comes after President Tinubu rejected a plan to prolong the tenure of legislative staff, according to Naija News.
It is important to note that the current law requires retirement at age 60 or after 35 years of service, while the proposed legislation aimed to raise the retirement age to 65 or permit 40 years of service.
This bill was first introduced in the 7th Assembly but was not approved; it was then reintroduced in the 8th and 9th Assemblies but was not approved either.
Sponsored by Aliyu Madaki (NNPP, Kano), the Deputy Minority Leader of the House, the measure was reintroduced to the 10th Assembly. It passed its second reading in the House in October 2023 and was finally adopted on December 20, 2023.
The law was first rejected by the Senate, but on March 31, 2024, the Senate changed its mind and accepted it. The bill was then forwarded to the President for approval.
A number of directors are expected to retire between October and December as a result of the President’s unwillingness to approve the measure. Some of them are also anticipated to retire next year, according to reports.
According to a source who spoke, “the reason for the exodus of retirees among staffers is that the majority of the staff, both at the top and medium levels, got employed by the commission in 1991/1992 when the National Assembly started.”
“Many of them would have worked in the Civil Service for 35 years or would clock 60 years between this year and next year,” it continued.
However, a large number of people impacted are impacted by their age. This is the time of year when two of the more senior employees will turn 60.
Reporters were informed by a different source that the retirement will occur in phases. In January 2025, roughly 20 to 30 people would also retire, he said.
“There will be a significant number of people retiring this year and even next year. This is due to the fact that many federal personnel will be approaching their 60th birthday.
According to the insider, “even those who will be taking over have a few months to spend in the offices before they reach retirement age.”
According to reports, a significant number of the National Assembly’s employees would be leaving, and many more are expected to retire soon, in addition to the senior officials.
In addition, a senior official who wished to remain nameless voiced worries about workers leaving the National Assembly, emphasizing the possible effect on legislative memory.
The fact that many people are retiring this year and the following year is undeniable.
“I’m concerned about whether they have enough personnel on the ground to cover that gap. What about the legislative memory if they do? “The experience will always be needed; the parliament thrives on the length of service years,” the insider said.
Meanwhile, two senior officers noted that the number of those retiring was only about 50.
According to a reliable source with access to inside information, all National Assembly members who were retiring or expected to retire between January and December 2024 were 46 years old, much younger than the expected 80.
According to the source, 80 is unrealistic. Indeed, individuals are and will continue to retire. However, 46 workers will retire in total between January and December.
