Legislative activities at the Bauchi State House of Assembly have come to a halt following a nationwide strike by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN).
The workers downed tools to press for full financial autonomy for state legislatures, a move aimed at strengthening parliamentary independence and promoting democratic governance.
Chairman of PASAN in Bauchi, Mr. Adamu Yusuf, said the members joined the strike in compliance with directives from the national leadership of the association. He described the industrial action as a last resort after all dialogue and negotiation efforts with government agencies failed.
“PASAN has embarked on several strikes in the past to enforce the Financial Autonomy Act, but the Federal Government is yet to fully implement it,” Yusuf said on Friday.
He explained that the strike represents a collective effort by state chapters to intensify pressure for the long-awaited reform. The union, which represents staff of state Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly, frequently takes industrial action to demand better conditions of service, including the implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS), payment of outstanding allowances, and the establishment of legislative service commissions.
Despite the strike, Yusuf commended Governor Bala Mohammed for his commitment toward ensuring financial autonomy for the Bauchi State legislature, noting that it aligns with the broader national demand for legislative independence.
PASAN has in recent years organised several nationwide or multi-state strikes that have paralyzed state assemblies, mainly to enforce constitutional provisions on legislative autonomy and improve the welfare of parliamentary workers.
The strike is ongoing, and legislative business at the Bauchi Assembly remains suspended until further notice.
