By Kebba AF Touray
The National Assembly has begun considering a new bill that seeks to expand the welfare and benefits package of lawmakers, including gratuity payments to families of members who die before completing their term.
The National Assembly Salaries and Pensions (Amendment) Bill 2025, tabled by nominated member Hon. Kebba Lang Fofana, would also extend benefits to lawmakers who resign, are recalled by their electorate, or those who complete the remainder of another member’s term.
Hon. Fofana told colleagues the amendment is intended to “greatly improve the comfort and convenience of National Assembly Members,” a proposal that has already drawn attention given its potential impact on lawmakers’ compensation.
The bill has passed its first reading and will return for detailed scrutiny in the fourth ordinary session.
While the debate over lawmakers’ welfare took center stage, two other significant pieces of legislation were also introduced during Monday’s sitting.
Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally tabled the National Food Security Corporation Bill 2025, which seeks to rename and reform the existing corporation to improve its financial performance, broaden its trading portfolio to include non-agricultural products, and ensure greater affordability of essential goods.
Trade Minister Baboucarr Joof, who also oversees the Defence Ministry, presented the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (Amendment) Bill 2025. The bill aims to modernize the country’s investment framework, harmonize laws with regional and international trade agreements, and create more effective mechanisms for resolving investment disputes.
All three bills passed their first reading stage and are scheduled for second reading in the next session.
