The House of Representatives has expressed growing concern over security threats targeting the National Assembly, including a potential terrorist attack aimed at bombing the legislative complex.
Chairman of the House Committee on Internal Security, Hon. Garba Ibrahim Muhammad, revealed this during a public hearing on Tuesday in Abuja on a bill to establish the Legislative Security Directorate.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment and Functions of the Legislative Security Directorate in the National Assembly; to Provide for the Qualification and Conditions of Service of the Sergeant-at-Arms and Other Personnel of the Directorate and for Related Matters, 2024 (HB 1632),” seeks to create a specialised internal security agency for the National Assembly.
Muhammad noted that recent intelligence reports and security incidents indicate that the National Assembly is increasingly vulnerable to criminal and terrorist activities.
He highlighted that the daily influx of visitors, lobbyists, demonstrators, and other personnel has made the legislative complex a potential target.
“The National Assembly is facing multiple security challenges, including car thefts, motorcycle thefts, vandalism, fake identity cards, and unauthorized access by visitors.”
“We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the complex and threats from protesters to lock it down. Legislators are exposed to potential harm from constituents and other individuals who gain access without formal appointments,” he said.
The lawmaker warned that inadequate security measures could disrupt legislative activities, affecting plenary sessions, budget approvals, oversight functions, and overall governance.
He stressed the need for a comprehensive security strategy integrating multiple elements to protect the legislative environment.
“This Bill is crucial because it aims to address these challenges and aligns with international best practices in parliamentary security and infrastructure,” Muhammad said.
He further urged State Houses of Assembly to adopt similar frameworks to safeguard their legislative spaces.
If passed, the Legislative Security Directorate will oversee the recruitment, training, and operations of the Sergeant-at-Arms and other security personnel responsible for protecting lawmakers, staff, visitors, and government property within the National Assembly.
