By Henry Umoru

The National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) has approved the appointment of Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana as the new Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA).

In a letter dated 6th November 2024 and signed by NASC Executive Chairman, Engineer Ahmed Kadi Amshi, Ogunlana’s appointment will take effect on 2nd February 2025.

According to Amshi, Barrister Ogunlana’s appointment is in recognition of his hard work and administrative competence. He also tasked Ogunlana with upholding the confidence reposed in him.

Ogunlana’s appointment follows a pre-retirement notice issued to the current CNA, Sani Magaji Tambuwal, notifying him of his retirement, which will be effective from 2nd February 2025.

The Commission also stated that the outgoing CNA confirmed Ogunlana’s appointment as his successor during the 610th NASC meeting held on Wednesday, 6th November 2024.

The Commission’s letter further mentioned that Ogunlana would oversee the CNA office while working closely with Tambuwal to ensure a smooth transition until he officially assumes office as the substantive CNA on 2nd February 2025.

Kamoru Ogunlana, an indigene of Omu-Ijebu in the Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State, was born on June 22, 1967, in Tiko town, South-West Cameroon.

The new CNA holds a degree in Law from Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye, and attended the Nigerian Law School in 1989/1990. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990 and is a member of both the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the International Bar Association (IBA).

Barrister Ogunlana began his career with the National Assembly Service on October 4, 1993, as a Litigation Officer II in the Legal Services Department. Following the inauguration of the 1st National Assembly of the 4th Republic on June 8, 1999, he was converted to a Legislative Officer and redeployed to the House of Representatives as a Committee Clerk.

He served as Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, a position he attained on March 29, 2023.

Prior to his appointment as Deputy Clerk, Barrister Ogunlana held various roles within the National Assembly Service, including Director of the Legislative Scrutiny and Research Department in the House of Representatives (February 2017 – August 2020), Director of the Committee Services Department (August 2020 – April 2022), and Secretary of the Legal Services Directorate (April 2022 – March 2023).

In addition, Ogunlana served for several years as Clerk to various House of Representatives Committees, including those on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Justice, Federal Judiciary, and the National Assembly Joint Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of the Constitution.

He has undergone extensive training both internationally and locally, establishing himself as a seasoned draftsman and Legislative Officer. He has also played a key role in the conception and drafting of several major bills passed by the National Assembly since 1999.

Barrister Ogunlana is a God-fearing, family-oriented person with interests in football, watching combat sports, traveling, and reading.