The Senate has rejected a bill seeking to extend the retirement age of National Assembly staff from 60 to 65 years and their years of service from 35 to 40.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), was debated on the Senate floor, but lawmakers overwhelmingly opposed it. Many senators argued that extending the retirement age would block employment opportunities for younger Nigerians.
Senator Kalu defended the bill, stating that experienced legislative staff were crucial to maintaining institutional memory. However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled against it, stating that the National Assembly should align with existing civil service retirement policies.
With the bill’s rejection, National Assembly staff will continue to retire at 60 years or after 35 years of service, whichever comes first.
