He said: “One persistent challenge facing the National Assembly Service has been the lack of a well-defined succession plan. The recurring crisis surrounding the appointment of the Clerk to the National Assembly and other key positions highlight the need for urgent reform. The absence of clarity in succession plan undermines the service’s stability and efficiency. As the legislative arm of government, the National Assembly cannot afford such disruptions.

“To address this, I am pleased to inform you that the National Assembly, led by my counterpart in the Senate, His Excellency Sen. Godswill Akpabio, GCON, along with myself, has initiated amendments to the NASC Act. These amendments aim to streamline the qualifications and processes for appointing key officers, thereby ensuring merit-based and transparent succession.

“Furthermore, the amendments will provide new entrants into the Service with clear guidelines on career progression, eliminating controversies surrounding promotions and aligning the scheme of service with the broader vision of the Commission and the National Assembly.”

Speaker Abbas reaffirmed the steadfast commitment of the House to fostering a strong and collaborative partnership with the NASC.

“As partners, we commit to fostering an efficient, productive, and professional National Assembly Service,” he said, adding that through collective efforts, the House would ensure that the National Assembly “continues to grow and develop to serve the evolving and complex needs (of the National Assembly) and the constituents we represent.”

“In contrast to the Federal Civil Service Commission and the Judicial Service Commission, which have long histories and greater resources, the NASC has faced significant challenges. Nevertheless, it has made impressive progress in enhancing the institutional capacity of the National Assembly, ensuring it meets its constitutional responsibilities.”

While congratulating the outgoing Chairman of the NASC, Engr. Ahmed Kadi Amshi and his team of Commissioners, he thanked them for their service to the National Assembly and Nigeria, and said that over the past five years, their stewardship has advanced the Commission’s mission and vision and strengthened the institutional backbone of the legislative process.

Speaker Abbas further noted that their efforts in upholding the Commission’s mandate as a cornerstone of democracy, while fostering professionalism within the National Assembly bureaucracy, are highly commendable.

He said: “Over the last 25 years, the National Assembly has achieved significant milestones. The legislature has transformed into a formidable institution, contributing to national development through effective lawmaking, oversight, and representation. The remarkable growth of the various organs and agencies of the National Assembly highlights the importance of institutional development.

“However, we must not rest on our laurels. The journey to establish a strong, independent, and productive legislature requires continuous improvement, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.”

The Speaker urged the NASC to continue focusing on recruiting capable personnel with the requisite skill sets, enhancing the capacity of its workforce, and maintaining discipline within the Service.

“Without these essential elements, no institution can thrive. A well-trained and disciplined bureaucracy forms the foundation of an effective legislature. The National Assembly Service must be primed to attract and retain the best talents while fostering a culture of professionalism and integrity,” he stated.

Earlier while presenting a 13-page document to the Speaker, Amshi highlighted the challenges and successes of the NASC in the last five years.

The chairman noted that the outgoing Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Magaji Tambuwal, would retire in five days’ time, while the outgoing NASC board would be working with the incoming Clerk to the National Assembly, Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana for only five days before the end of its tenure.

The Lagos State Government has sealed multiple buildings being constructed without planning permit in Lagos Island as part of the on-going clampdown on defaulters.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, who led the exercise reaffirmed government’s firm stance against illegal building constructions.

The affected properties that were sealed for lacking the requisite permits for building construction include: Number 7 Okesuna Street, 42/64 Okepopo Street, 11/15 Sunmonu Street, 22 Olushi Street, 8 Isalegangan Street.

Others are on Oroyinyin, Faji, and Omididun Streets, among others. While cautioning contravening building developers, Olumide said that it had become imperative for government to compel the right and positive attitude from the people towards physical planning laws, after months of gracious amnesty to buildings without planning permit.

According to him, the amnesty program provided an opportunity for property owners to regularise their building permits without facing immediate penalties.

“Unfortunately, many disregarded this initiative while it lasted and now proceed with illegal constructions that fail to meet structural, environmental, and safety standards.

“Our goal is to encourage compliance, ensuring that Lagos remains a safe and orderly city for all residents.

“The exercise will be extended to other parts of the State to ensure compliance.

“No doubt, unregulated developments pose significant risks to the built environment, including structural collapse, environmental degradation, and disruption to planned city layouts.”

The commissioner decried the spate of illegal building construction on Lagos Island, especially building on narrow strips of land that leaves no room for adequate setbacks and air spaces, as he ordered the stoppage of the ongoing construction on number 8, Isale gangan Street for its narrowness.

He warned residents, property owners and property developers of their civic duty to obtain necessary approvals before embarking on building construction, while urging owners of adjoining small parcels of land to seriously consider the land-pooling option to aid livable, organised and sustainable built environment.

Olumide highlighted the importance of whistleblowing on illegal constructions, saying that residents were encouraged to provide information that would assist the government discover physical planning contraventions at their infancy and act promptly in the interest of all to sustain the State’s development agenda as it relates to the physical planing sector.

Other officials on the operation exercise include: Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Olumide Sotire, Directors in the ministry and top officials of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, LASPPPA.