Deputy Speaker advocates hybrid pension scheme for former legislators

The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has proposed the adoption of a hybrid pension scheme, comprising both contributory and non-contributory elements, for former legislators across the country.

Speaking at the inaugural gathering of the Nigerian Former Legislators Forum (NFLF), held on Saturday in Enugu State, Kalu described former lawmakers as invaluable reservoirs of insight whose wealth of experience remains crucial to national development. He stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is prepared to engage with ex-legislators to advance the government’s transformative agenda.

The maiden event brought together an array of eminent former lawmakers from the National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and Local Government Legislative Councils. Among the high-profile attendees were former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Anyim Pius Anyim; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara; former Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha; former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha; and former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah.

Rt. Hon. Kalu noted that the NFLF would operate within a robust framework prioritising pension security, comprehensive welfare, institutionalised knowledge-sharing, and honourable privileges for its members. He emphasised the need for a united front among former lawmakers to protect their dignity and provide mutual support beyond their terms in office.

Expounding further, he reiterated his proposal for a hybrid pension model that blends contributory and non-contributory schemes, aiming to ensure the sustainability and protection of retired legislators. He also called for the establishment of a Knowledge Bureau to document legislative best practices and initiate Congressional Study Groups to tackle pressing national issues.

Other recommendations included the issuance of lifetime identity cards for access to the National Assembly, healthcare coverage, and designated parking privileges—measures designed to honour and support the service of former legislators. An Executive Committee and an Advisory Board, consisting of policy and corporate experts, would be constituted to provide strategic leadership and continuity.

Kalu asserted that the NFLF is poised to transcend political affiliations, drive pension reform, and serve as a policy advocacy platform capable of shaping national discourse. He further highlighted the importance of global partnerships and digital engagement, citing the practices of the United States Congress, South African Parliament, and Indonesia as models of legislative post-service integration.

“In Nigeria, the NFLF must address four critical priorities,” Kalu said. “First, pension security. Unlike countries such as the U.S. or South Africa, we lack a unified framework. We must establish a hybrid model—combining contributory systems for long-term sustainability with non-contributory support for indigent retirees. Much like the U.S., we can introduce partial pension computations to help those transitioning to private life.”

“Second, we must champion members’ holistic welfare—politically, socially, and economically. The Forum must become a powerful advocacy and lobbying body, ensuring that the government’s investment in each legislator is not lost post-tenure. The platform should also help mitigate the burdens faced by those who lose elections by providing mentorship and opportunities in public service or other careers.”

“Third, institutionalising expertise. Former legislators are not relics—they are repositories of knowledge. Through the proposed Knowledge Bureau, we can document legislative best practices and engage universities in promoting civic literacy, similar to the U.S. model.”

“Fourth, privileges and access. Inspired by international practice, we should issue lifetime ID cards, healthcare insurance, and parking privileges, administered through bipartisan mechanisms to prevent abuse. These initiatives will serve to honour and respect the service rendered by former legislators.”

He stressed that the institutional model of the NFLF must be rigorous and globally competitive. “We envision an Executive Committee with staggered terms and an Advisory Board to oversee strategic partnerships. Funding should be derived from endowment funds, membership subscriptions, corporate sponsorships, and grants—following the example of the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress.”

In his concluding remarks, Kalu urged his colleagues to look beyond partisan differences in pursuit of the Forum’s objectives. “Let us rise above party lines. The NFLF must advocate for pension reform, support each other wholly, and build an influential policy group. We must also embrace technology for virtual mentorship and policymaking, while forging global alliances—drawing lessons from Indonesia’s dialogue-driven approach and the bipartisan traditions of the U.S. and U.K.”

“As we commence this noble journey, it is apt that the Nigerian Former Legislators Forum takes root in the South-East, drawing from the wisdom of its seasoned legislators. Today’s inaugural assembly in Enugu—a city known for its resilience and strategic relevance—marks a strong beginning. From this regional base, the Forum will grow in strength and reach, engaging every geopolitical zone and harnessing the full spectrum of Nigeria’s legislative heritage for national progress,” he concluded