Ndume Calls for Part-Time National Assembly, Says Lawmakers Should Be Paid Per Sitting

Ndume Calls for Part-Time National Assembly, Says Lawmakers Should Be Paid Per Sitting

  • Politics
  • June 27, 2026
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The Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, 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 official sittings.

Ndume made the proposal during an interview on Trust TV on Friday, arguing that lawmakers do not perform legislative duties on a daily basis and should therefore receive allowances based on attendance at plenary sessions and committee meetings.

According to the senator, adopting a pay-per-sitting system would reduce the cost of governance and promote greater accountability in the National Assembly.

"To me, I said it, what are we doing? We have been on recess for 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.

He further suggested that the Senate and the House of Representatives could operate effectively as part-time institutions without affecting legislative responsibilities.

 "And to me, we can even make the National Assembly work part time," he added.

Speaking on the recent emergency legislative session, Ndume cited the consideration of state police as an example of what he described as hurried lawmaking.

He disclosed that lawmakers were summoned for an emergency sitting to deliberate on pressing national issues, including the proposed establishment of state police, but expressed concern over the pace at which the matter was handled.

 "On Wednesday, we all assembled for an emergency meeting for this year; important national issues, that is the state policing, even though I have reservations as to the speed and the way they are doing it," he stated.

Ndume stressed that the Senate should thoroughly examine major constitutional and security issues before reaching decisions.

"Senate is a committee of elders. You just don't come one day, sit down because the President wants state police, you just pass it overnight."

He maintained that lawmakers should engage in extensive consultations, debates and receive inputs from stakeholders before passing significant legislation.

 "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 asked.

The senator's remarks come amid ongoing public debates over the high cost of governance in Nigeria, with many citizens and civil society organisations advocating reforms that would reduce public expenditure and improve the efficiency of government institutions.

His proposal for a part-time legislature is expected to generate fresh discussions on the structure, remuneration and operational framework of Nigeria's National Assembly.