HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT OF PARLIAMENTARY STAFFS AND ORGNISATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY OF THE RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, NIGERIA, 2015-2023

The declining level of organisational productivity in the Rivers State House of Assembly has become a growing concern. A major factor contributing to this challenge is the inadequate commitment to the human capital development of parliamentary staff. Guided by Human Capital Theory, this study examined the relationship between staff training and organisational productivity within the Rivers State House of Assembly. The study adopted a survey research design and utilised both primary and secondary data. Primary data were obtained through questionnaires and oral interviews, while secondary data were sourced from official government documents. A total of 103 parliamentary staff were sampled for the questionnaire administration. Data analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including simple percentages, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Qualitative data from oral interviews and secondary sources—such as handbooks, annual reports, and budget documents— were analysed using content analysis. The findings revealed a low prioritisation of parliamentary staff training, which significantly undermined staff performance and overall organisational productivity in the Rivers State House of Assembly. Based on these findings, the study recommended the institutionalisation of a structured training needs assessment mechanism, improved and accountable utilisation of staff training budgets, and the prioritisation of continuous training and development of parliamentary staff to enhance organisational productivity.