ABUJA, Nigeria — Senator Ali Ndume has called for a downward review of the salaries and allowances of members of the National Assembly, saying lawmakers are paid more than they should receive at a time when Nigeria is grappling with serious security and economic challenges.
The senator, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, made the remarks during an interview on Trust TV’s Daily Politics programme aired on Friday, where he discussed the country’s security situation and the need for improved funding of the military and other security agencies.
Ndume argued that Nigeria must reassess its spending priorities, insisting that greater attention should be given to adequately funding security institutions and improving the welfare of personnel on the frontlines rather than maintaining the high cost of governance.
According to him, any meaningful conversation about strengthening national security must also include a review of the remuneration of political office holders in both the executive and legislative arms of government.
The lawmaker acknowledged that he has consistently expressed concern over lawmakers’ earnings, maintaining that members of the National Assembly receive more than is justifiable under the current economic realities.
“I think I am being overpaid. Or we are being overpaid. Or the government is overpaying itself,” Ndume said during the interview.
He maintained that the cost of running government should be reduced to free up more resources for critical sectors, particularly security, where personnel continue to face enormous operational demands.
Calls for Fiscal Responsibility
Ndume’s comments come amid growing public debate over the cost of governance in Nigeria, with many citizens and civil society groups urging government institutions to cut spending and redirect resources toward infrastructure, healthcare, education and security.
Although the senator did not announce any formal bill seeking a reduction in lawmakers’ emoluments, his remarks are expected to renew discussions about public sector remuneration and fiscal responsibility.
Political observers say any adjustment to the salaries and allowances of federal lawmakers would require action through the appropriate constitutional and statutory processes.
As of the time of filing this report, the leadership of the National Assembly had not issued an official response to
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