The Hallowmace Foundation Africa has called on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to put in place special mechanisms to retain the services of Mr. Rawlins Agada, the Clerk of the Senate, who is due for retirement on September 1, 2025.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Anderson Osiebe, the Foundation argued that Mr. Agada’s retirement at the mandatory age of 60 would deprive Nigeria of a seasoned administrator whose reforms and international contributions have significantly strengthened the country’s legislative processes.
A Distinguished Career in Legislative Service
Mr. Agada, recently confirmed as substantive Clerk of the Senate, has spent decades in the National Assembly service, earning a reputation for excellence and innovation.
His career highlights include:
- Representing Nigeria at the Pan-African Parliament in South Africa and at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva.
- Serving as President of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), where he championed staff welfare and institutional reforms.
- Leading critical reforms as Director of Information and Research, including the digitization of chamber proceedings, recalibration of media accreditation, and the launch of the National Assembly’s New Media platform.
- Rising through senior administrative positions, including Deputy Clerk (Administration) of the House of Representatives and later Deputy Clerk of the Senate.
According to the Foundation, these achievements underscore his role as a transformative figure in parliamentary administration.
Case for Retaining His Services
The advocacy group noted that many democracies retain exceptional public servants through consultancy or advisory roles, citing the United Nations and IPU as examples where retired officials continue to provide expertise and mentorship.
“The retirement of Mr. Agada would create a knowledge vacuum that could slow down ongoing reforms,” the Foundation said. “His experience is vital for mentorship, digital transformation, and Nigeria’s representation in international parliamentary bodies.”
Proposed Framework
The Hallowmace Foundation recommended the creation of a Specialized Consultancy and Mentorship Role for Mr. Agada, which could include:
- Serving as Senior Parliamentary Advisor on digital transformation and international relations.
- Leading a mentorship program to groom the next generation of administrators.
- Acting as Special Envoy for Nigeria’s parliamentary interests at global institutions.
- Heading transition management initiatives to preserve institutional memory.
Call to Action
The Foundation urged the National Assembly Service Commission, Senate leadership, and the Federal Government to act swiftly by creating a Senior Parliamentary Fellow position or a broader National Emeritus Program for exceptional retired public servants.
“Mr. Agada represents a national resource whose value extends beyond chronological age,” Osiebe said. “By retaining him, Nigeria would not only benefit from his wisdom but also set a precedent for managing the transition of other exceptional administrators.”
