N’Assembly tasks staff on technology, innovation

The National Assembly has challenged its staff to embrace technology for increased productivity and modernisation.

The Clerk to the National Assembly, Magaji Tambawal, gave the charge during the opening ceremony of a four-day capacity building and training programme for 318 staff of the National Assembly from grade level 10-14.

Delivering a keynote address at the formal opening of a four-day capacity-building programme for staff of the National Assembly in Abuja on Monday, Tambuwal, said training and retraining are essential components of professional growth and development, particularly in today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving work environment.

He said, “You may recall that upon assumption of office, the National Assembly Management under my humble leadership identified human capacity building as a core priority area of focus in our efforts to develop, strengthen and reposition the National Assembly to carry out its statutory responsibilities.”

He noted that the National Assembly must be at the forefront of modernisation, transparency, and accountability, and to achieve that, staff must be continually trained and re-trained to discharge their responsibilities with increased efficiency and commitment.

He disclosed that in 2023 alone, the management of the National Assembly successfully trained a total of 3990 staff on Salary Grade Levels from 4 to 16 with adequate skills and capability to discharge their duties effectively.

Adding that this year’s historic four-day capacity building programme is dedicated to fostering re-orientation for improved productivity and effective service delivery.

Tambawal said, “Only through continuous training and retraining will staff stay up-to-date with industry trends as well as expand their career opportunities to drive innovation, productivity and success in their fields.

“As you are all aware, the National Assembly stands as one of the pillars of our evolving democracy. The effectiveness of our legislative processes and the overall impact we make on the governance of this country largely depend on your dedication and quality of services.

“You have always worked behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth functioning of the National Assembly by rendering diverse support services ranging from scrutinising and cleaning of bills to organisation of committee sessions, legislative research and administrative oversight.”

He further stressed that this capacity-building initiative is thus, not only an occasion for learning and skill enhancement; it is also a profound step towards renewing commitment to excellence in service to the legislature and our country at large.

He charged the workers to adapt and acquire new skills to remain relevant and competitive, “as new technologies emerge, industries shift and job requirements change, to all participants, I encourage you to approach this training with an open mind and a determination to improve. Our collective progress depends on your contributions.

Delivering his goodwill message, the Chairman National Assembly Service Commission, Ahmed Amshi said the staff has the responsibility of supporting the vital work of the elected representatives in the National Assembly.

He stated, “In these times of change and challenges, it is more important than ever that we redouble our efforts to deliver the highest standards of service and support to the members of the National Assembly.

“The public rightly expects efficient, effective, and responsive governance, and it falls on us to provide services that create a conducive atmosphere for that to happen in our respective duties and responsibilities.”

He said the commission is committed to driving a renewed focus on staff training and professional development, streamlining processes, and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by empowering the workforce and embracing modern, technology-enabled ways of working, to enhance productivity and responsiveness at every level.

“I also pledge to strengthen transparency and accountability within the National Assembly Service, between the management and the Commission. We must be a model of good governance, earning the trust of the National Assembly leadership and the citizens we ultimately serve,” he stated.