Senator Ali Ndume yesterday called for increased security funding and provision of technological equipment for soldiers to fight terrorism.
He also advised government to cut down some discretionary services, including the activities of the National Assembly, to redirect funds toward tackling rising insecurity
Ndume, who spoke on the Channels Television, suggested that lawmakers could meet on a quarterly basis, adding that compensation to lawmakers can then reflect the adjusted sitting schedule.
He said Nigeria should reduce spending on areas that do not significantly benefit the majority of citizens and focus instead on ensuring public safety.
“Urgently, we must discard everything as far as I am concerned and even if it is necessary to shut down some discretionary services, starting with the National Assembly. You can cut it off and ask us to sit, maybe in a quarter, for example “
He frowned at the recurrent and overhead costs despite the unresolved 2025 budget.
Ndume said: “We sit for some time, depending on the workload that we have, and are paid accordingly. And now, the 2025 budget is not running; we are in 2025, but the recurrent and overhead costs are running, and who is benefitting?
“Less than five per cent of Nigerians, and it is a lot of money. So, why don’t we shut down all these things and use the money to secure the people first?” he stated.
Acknowledging that his proposal may create friction between him and his colleagues at the National Assembly, Ndume said he was not worried about any potential backlash.
