Africa-Press – Gambia. The National Assembly on Thursday moved a step closer to expanding gratuity entitlements for lawmakers with the committee-stage approval of the National Assembly Salaries and Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The bill, sponsored by nominated member Kebba Lang Fofana, seeks to widen the categories of persons eligible for gratuity under the existing National Assembly Salaries and Pensions Act.
Once enacted, it will extend gratuity benefits to three new groups: the next of kin of a member who dies before completing a five-year term; members who resign or are recalled by their constituencies; and persons appointed to complete the term of a deceased, resigned, or recalled lawmaker.
During the consideration stage, conducted clause by clause under Order 73 of the Standing Orders, members endorsed all provisions without proposing amendments.
Clause 1, which provides the short title of the Act, was adopted with an updated reference to the year 2025. Clause 2, which amends Cap 2:04 of the principal Act to insert the new provisions into the existing framework governing the salaries and pensions of National Assembly Members, also passed without debate.
The core of the amendment lies in Clause 3, introducing three new sections. Section 4A establishes gratuity payments to the next of kin of a member who dies in office after serving at least 1 year. Section 4B entitles a member who resigns or is recalled after completing at least one year of service to 25 percent of the total emoluments earned. Section 4C extends similar eligibility to any person appointed to complete the residual term of a departed member, provided they have served at least one year.
At the close of the review, the Committee of the Whole Assembly reported that the bill had passed without changes, and the plenary subsequently adopted the report.
The bill has now been referred to the Assembly Business Committee to schedule its third and final reading. If approved, it will formalize the expansion of gratuity benefits for National Assembly Members and individuals assuming their duties under exceptional circumstances.
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