Nigeria’s Part-Time Legislature: A Cost-Cutting Measure, Says Senate Committee Chairman
In a bold move to reduce the cost of governance in Nigeria, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation, has backed calls for part-time legislature at both federal and state levels. The former Abia Governor believes that this move will not only help the nation cut costs but also enhance the citizenry’s trust in the polity.
According to Senator Kalu, who represents the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Abia North senatorial district, a part-time legislature would allow lawmakers to sit for only three months and focus on constitutional amendments before returning to their normal lives. This, he argues, would help reduce the country’s financial burden and promote efficiency in governance.
“The idea is to sit for three months, do constitutional amendment, and then go back. We can sit four times a year, and if there’s any emergency, we’ll have emergency sitting,” Senator Kalu explained in an interview over the weekend. “Not only the Senate and the House of Representatives but all the legislative houses in Nigeria will be part-time.”
The senator also highlighted the need for regional government as another viable alternative to reduce the cost of governance. He believes that a regional government would mean that ministers and legislators would be the same, and this would lead to cost savings.
“I’ve been tinkering with the idea of how we can save money to run Nigeria because the country needs money,” Senator Kalu said. “I will encourage the President, the National Assembly to make these kinds of laws. This will help him, and this will help the system, and this will help everybody.”
Senator Kalu also dismissed misconceptions that senators are highly paid, stating that they are not paid enough. He urged Nigerians and his colleagues to support a quick constitutional amendment to implement a part-time legislature.
“That will bring trust and bring relief to the Nigerian people,” the ex-governor emphasized.
The proposal has sparked widespread debate in Nigeria, with many analysts and citizens weighing in on the potential benefits and drawbacks of a part-time legislature. While some have welcomed the idea as a means to reduce costs and increase efficiency, others have raised concerns about the potential impact on legislative business and the ability of lawmakers to effectively represent their constituents.