‘Pay Us Only When We Sit’ — Ndume Calls for Part-Time National Assembly, Sitting-Based Salaries

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has called for a major reform of Nigeria’s legislative system, proposing that members of the National Assembly should serve on a part-time basis and be paid only for the days they attend plenary sessions or committee meetings.

Speaking during an interview on Trust TV on Friday, Ndume argued that lawmakers do not work in the National Assembly on a daily basis and, therefore, should not receive full-time salaries.

“To me, I have said it before, what exactly 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,” the senator said.

Ndume further suggested that the National Assembly should formally adopt a part-time legislative structure, insisting that it would reduce the cost of governance while ensuring lawmakers remain focused on their constitutional responsibilities.

Using the recent emergency Senate session on state policing as an example, the senator expressed concern over what he described as the rushed consideration of critical national issues.

“On Wednesday, we all assembled for an emergency meeting on an important national issue, which is state policing, even though I have reservations about the speed and the manner in which it is being handled,” he stated.

According to Ndume, the Senate should thoroughly deliberate on significant constitutional matters rather than rushing legislation to satisfy the executive.

“The Senate is a committee of elders. You don’t just come one day, sit down because the President wants state police, and then pass it overnight. You are supposed to sit down, deliberate on it, and get the necessary input. We have passed the bill. Has state police taken off today?” he queried.

Ndume’s remarks add to the growing debate over the high cost of governance in Nigeria, with renewed calls from some quarters for reforms aimed at reducing public expenditure and improving legislative accountability.