Senator Ali Ndume has said Nigerian lawmakers are overpaid compared to members of the police and armed forces, calling for greater investment in national security and the welfare of security personnel.
Speaking during an interview with Trust TV on June 26, 2026, the Borno South senator said the government should prioritise funding for defence and improve the remuneration of officers who risk their lives protecting the country.
“I think I’m being overpaid and the government is overpaying itself. Go and look at how much is being paid to the police and the army. As far as I’m concerned, in this year’s budget of about ₦58 trillion, it’s only about ₦3 trillion that goes to defence. Are we serious?” Ndume said.
Asked whether he would accept a 20 percent salary reduction if it would strengthen national security, Ndume said he would do so without hesitation, adding that his position is well known to both the government and his colleagues.
He argued that the Nigerian Constitution places the security and welfare of citizens at the centre of governance and said wasteful public spending should be redirected to improve security funding.
