The Managing Director Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho was on Sunday 7th December, 2025 at the flagship Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) which was held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja recognized and decorated with the Award of “Excellence in Maritime Infrastructure Modernization & Global Competitiveness”.

The prestigious NAEPS Award which is a presidential initiative coordinated by the Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation publicly recognizes and decorates public servants who have demonstrated excellence in the discharge of their duties.

Abubakar Dantsoho is being recognized amongst other sterling performance scorecard for deepening of efficiencies that catalyzed the attainment of national trade surplus through unprecedented growth in exports, set the pace for the National Single Window (NSW) through the Port Community System (PCS) being at the forefront of galvanizing the global investors’ interest in the modernization of Nigerian Ports infrastructure and equipment as well as growing influence of Nigeria in the comity of Maritime nations evidenced by Nigeria’s presidency of the Port Management Association of West Africa (PMAWCA), Vice- Presidency of the International Association for Ports & Harbours (IAPH) and the supportive role under the guidance of the Hon. Minister of Marine & Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola for Nigeria’s re-enlistment into the Influential “Category C” of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, on Thursday, December 4, 2025, received the “Legislative Administration Leadership Award” from the National Assembly New Media Forum in recognition of his visionary leadership and exemplary commitment to strengthening the administrative backbone of the National Assembly.

He described the honour as a meaningful milestone in his long career in public service.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Danzaria said he was “particularly happy” and “bursting with joy,” noting that although he often prefers to keep a low profile, he was humbled that his work had been noticed.

“I’m so happy and grateful. I do not take this honour for granted,” he said.

He recounted his extensive experience since joining the National Assembly, first as a legislative staff member and later rising through key departments, including Legal Services, Public Affairs, Finance and Supplies, and eventually serving as Director of Public Affairs.

Danzaria narrated how his early days in the institution were marked by confusion over his posting, leading to multiple reassignments before his appointment was regularized. He described this period as both “a legislative journey and a general public service adventure.”

His career saw him work closely with committees during constitutional transition periods, follow senior administrators as they advanced into new roles, and eventually undertake a diploma in journalism—an experience he said deepened his engagement with the media community.

Reflecting on his time overseeing public affairs, he highlighted the challenges of accommodating the growing number of journalists and influencers visiting the National Assembly.

“At the height of activities, between five and ten thousand people often came into the National Assembly for one business or another. This put pressure on our infrastructure, including internet services and workspaces,” he explained.

Speaking on behalf of the National Assembly New Media Forum, the Chairman, Clement Nwabuko, commended Danzaria’s dedication to service and assured him of continued collaboration. “We hope this is just the beginning of our relationship. We will give you every support you need to succeed,” he said.

He also reminded the Clerk of how the group was inaugurated by the Omolori-led management.

Mr. Nwabuko further highlighted long-standing challenges faced by new and online media practitioners seeking workspace access within the National Assembly complex. “It has been a crisis for the mainstream media to accommodate the new media,” he said. “Some even tried to stop them from entering the Press Centre.”

He solicited the Clerk’s support in making the provision of workspace for the group a reality.

In his response, Dr. Danzaria said he had consistently advocated support for media practitioners, adding that “no matter how small the space is, it is always better to have a place you can call your own,” recalling instances where he personally facilitated workspace opportunities for several associations.

The Clerk thanked the New Media Forum for the honour, describing the award as an encouragement to continue strengthening administrative systems and fostering better relations between the legislature and the media.

In his closing remarks, Danzaria expressed hope that the partnership between his office and the media would continue even beyond his years in public service. “This recognition means a lot, and I look forward to continued collaboration for effective legislative reportage.”

The Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Mr. Kamaru Ogunlana, on Monday declared open a three-day capacity building programme for Directors of the National Assembly in Kano, emphasizing the need for stronger institutional discipline, improved corporate governance and sustained staff welfare.

Speaking at the event held in Kano, Ogunlana who was represented by Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Engr. Bashir Aminu Yero,
described the training themed: “Leadership Masterclass for Effective Corporate Governance” as timely and crucial for strengthening professionalism within one of the world’s largest legislative bureaucracies.

He noted that the National Assembly currently has over 4,000 staff, including more than 200 directors who hold strategic administrative and technical roles. Despite what he called the “most experienced and most educated workforce in the history of the institution,” he said management remains committed to continuous training. According to him, over 3,000 staff and legislative aides have undergone various capacity-building sessions this year alone, including several international programmes.

Ogunlana highlighted key welfare achievements since he assumed office in February, including the settlement of outstanding salary arrears, prompt payment of staff and aides, regular departmental imprest, payment of first 28-day allowances to new staff and aides, procurement of utility vehicles, and major upgrades to the National Assembly Clinic.

He also disclosed plans to secure institutional ownership of the National Assembly complexes in Lagos and Abuja, as well as reforms to ensure adequate pension and gratuity for retirees.

Acknowledging long-standing complaints among directors, such as stalled promotions, inappropriate reporting lines and inadequate office accommodation, the CNA appealed for patience, noting that some solutions depend on budgetary improvements. He praised the formation of the National Assembly Forum of Directors, describing it as part of efforts to democratize decision-making.

Ogunlana, however, issued a stern warning over what he described as recent “misinformed and illegal attempts” by some staff to picket the National Assembly. He said intelligence revealed that the organizers, including three GL09 officers and about 75 contributors, among them a Director, opened a bank account to mobilize funds for the protest. The account, he said, has been frozen and contributors are under investigation for potential prosecution.

He dismissed allegations against management, including interference in union matters and short-payment of salaries, as “baseless and entirely false.” Ogunlana reminded directors of their responsibility to uphold discipline, enforce service rules and maintain decorum in line with the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

“As senior officers, you must safeguard the institution by modelling the right standards,” he said, describing any disruption to legislative activities as a threat to national security.

The CNA thanked the organizers, resource persons and participants for their efforts and declared the programme open, urging directors to fully engage in discussions and derive maximum benefit from the training.