Ndume Pushes for Part-Time Legislature, Says Senators Should Not Earn Monthly Salaries

Senator Ali Ndume has called for sweeping reforms to Nigeria’s legislative system, proposing that members of the National Assembly serve on a part-time basis and receive allowances only when engaged in official legislative duties.
The lawmaker argued that the current structure of the National Assembly imposes a heavy financial burden on the country and should be reviewed as part of broader efforts to reduce the cost of governance.
According to Ndume, lawmakers should not operate as full-time public officials with regular monthly salaries, insisting that legislative service ought to be structured in a way that reflects the country’s economic realities.
His proposal comes amid growing public debate over government spending, fiscal discipline and demands for reductions in the cost of running public institutions.
The Borno South senator said a part-time legislature would allow the country to channel more resources towards critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure and security while maintaining effective legislative oversight.
Ndume maintained that democratic governance does not necessarily require a full-time parliament, noting that several countries operate legislative systems where lawmakers receive compensation tied primarily to parliamentary activities and committee work.
The senator’s remarks are expected to reignite discussions on constitutional and political reforms, particularly as Nigerians continue to express concerns about public expenditure at a time of economic hardship.
Advocates of legislative reform have long argued that reducing the operational costs of the National Assembly could improve public confidence in governance and demonstrate a commitment by political leaders to share in the sacrifices being demanded of citizens.
However, supporters of the current arrangement contend that the responsibilities of lawmakers—including lawmaking, constituency representation, oversight functions and committee assignments—require full-time engagement.
Ndume’s latest proposal adds to ongoing conversations about restructuring governance institutions and improving efficiency in public administration as the country grapples with fiscal pressures and competing development priorities.