The Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday moved to commence implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) for its workers, following warnings of a possible nationwide strike. The motion was raised during plenary in Makurdi to address why the state had not begun payment, despite the provision already being captured in the 2025 budget.
Majority Leader, Mr. Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West), who sponsored the motion, said the implementation was necessary because CONLESS is the approved salary structure for staff of the National Assembly and all 36 state assemblies. He explained that Section 8(1)(Ff) of the Benue State House of Assembly Service Commission (Establishment) Law, 2018, empowers the legislature to approve salaries and benefits for its employees.
Mr. Dugeri further noted that the national leadership of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) had issued a directive to all states yet to commence payment, warning that failure to comply could lead to an indefinite strike. He expressed concern that many states had already implemented the structure, while Benue remained one of the few outstanding.
He added that the inclusion of CONLESS in the 2025 budget demonstrated that the Assembly had already made the necessary financial provisions. Implementing the structure, he said, would motivate workers, strengthen their identity as legislative staff, and enhance productivity.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Abu Umoru (PDP/Apa), who said the approval would be welcomed by workers and help maintain a harmonious relationship between the Assembly and its staff.
Ruling on the matter, Speaker Alfred Emberga directed the PASAN Executive Committee to meet with the House Committee on Finance to fast-track the process. He assured workers that steps were being taken to ensure they begin receiving the new salary structure soon.
