The lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has proposed that the Nigerian Senate should operate as a part-time institution, with lawmakers receiving allowances based on their attendance at plenary and committee sittings.
Ndume made the suggestion on Friday during an interview with Trust TV, arguing that legislators do not operate like regular full-time office workers since their official duties are mainly tied to plenary sessions and committee assignments.
The senator said lawmakers should only be paid when they actively participate in legislative duties, adding that the current system should be reviewed to reflect the actual nature of their work.
“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 argued that the National Assembly could function effectively as a part-time institution, noting that lawmakers often spend significant periods on recess without regular office activities.
Ndume explained that important national issues require careful deliberation rather than rushed decisions, using the proposed state police initiative as an example.
According to him, the Senate should take its time to examine major policies, gather opinions and ensure proper evaluation before passing legislation.
“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 stated.
He questioned the effectiveness of passing laws without proper implementation, asking whether the proposed state police system had commenced despite legislative approval.
Ndume stressed that lawmakers must focus on quality debates and thorough consideration of national matters rather than simply approving bills quickly.
