The lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has called for a major overhaul of Nigeria’s legislative system, proposing that members of the National Assembly should serve on a part-time basis and be paid only when they attend official sittings.
Ndume made the proposal during an interview on Friday, arguing that lawmakers do not work daily like regular civil servants and, therefore, should not receive full-time salaries and allowances.
According to the senator, members of the National Assembly spend much of their time outside plenary, with legislative duties largely revolving around scheduled sittings and committee assignments.
He maintained that a pay-per-sitting arrangement would be more appropriate and help reduce the cost of governance.
“To me, I have said it before, what are we doing? We have been on recess several times. Let us be paid by sitting. If you sit, you get paid. If you are not sitting, you are not paid,” Ndume said.
The former Senate Chief Whip further suggested that the National Assembly should operate as a part-time legislature, insisting that the current structure places unnecessary financial pressure on the country’s resources.
Ndume Questions Speed Of State Police Bill
While speaking on recent legislative activities, Ndume cited the passage of the State Police Bill as an example of why the Senate should devote more time to critical national issues instead of rushing major constitutional amendments.
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He disclosed that senators were recalled from recess on Wednesday for an emergency sitting to consider the legislation but expressed reservations about the pace at which the bill was processed.
According to him, the Senate, which he described as “a committee of elders,” should allow for broader consultations and thorough deliberations before approving significant constitutional reforms.
“On Wednesday, we all assembled for an emergency meeting this year on an important national issue, which is state policing, even though I have reservations about the speed and the way they are doing it.
“The Senate is a committee of elders. You don’t just come one day, sit down because the President wants state police and pass it overnight.
“You are supposed to sit down, deliberate on it and get the input. We have passed the bill. Has the state police taken off today?” he queried.
Ndume’s remarks come amid ongoing debates over the cost of governance, legislative reforms and the recent passage of constitutional amendments seeking to establish state police across Nigeria.