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

Senator Ali Ndume has advocated for Nigeria's National Assembly to operate on a part-time basis, arguing that lawmakers should only receive payment for the days they attend plenary sessions or committee meetings.

Speaking during an interview on Trust TV on Friday, June 26, the senator said the current full-time structure of the legislature is unjustified because members do not report for legislative duties every day.

"To me, I said it, 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.

He maintained that both the Senate and the House of Representatives could effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities while operating as part-time institutions.

"And to me, we can even make the National Assembly work part-time. On Wednesday, we all assembled for an emergency meeting for this year on important national issues, including state policing, even though I have reservations about the speed and the way they are doing it," he added.

Ndume also criticised the manner in which the National Assembly considered and passed the State Police Bill, arguing that legislation with far-reaching implications for the country should undergo broader consultation and more rigorous legislative scrutiny.

"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," he said.

"You are supposed to sit down, deliberate on it, and get the necessary input. We have passed the bill. Has the state police taken off today?"

The senator's comments come days after the Senate approved the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, which seeks to establish state police services alongside the existing federal policing system.

While expressing support for efforts to strengthen security across the country, Ndume insisted that reforms of such national significance should not be rushed and must be subjected to thorough debate and stakeholder engagement before implementation.