Nigeria, Feb. 29 -- The Senate on Thursday hurriedly passed the controversial bill seeking to extend the tenure of service of legislative staff at the National Assembly from 35 to 40 years and their retirement age from 60 to 65 years.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibirin, announced the passage of the bill during the plenary after it was read for the third time.

Mr Jibrin, thereafter, constituted a conference committee chaired by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, to harmonise the effectiveness of the bill between the two chambers.

After harmonisation, the bill will be transmitted to the president for assent before it becomes an Act of Parliament.

Domestic staff such as cleaners, security officers, errand staff, craftsmen, cler...