The proposed law aiming to create a Legislative Security Directorate for the National Assembly has received support from State Houses of Assembly and a number of important parties. However, several security organizations, like as the Nigeria Police Force, have expressed disapproval of certain aspects of the proposed legislation.
During a public hearing held by the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security on Tuesday about the Bill titled:
A Bill for an Act to Establish and Operate the Legislative Security Directorate in the National Assembly; to Specify the Qualifications and Terms of Service of the Sergeant-at-Arms and Other Directorate Personnel; and for Related Matters, 2024 (HB 1632).
The Committee’s Chairman, Hon. Garba Ibrahim Muhammad, emphasized in his opening remarks the urgent need for a more robust security system in all branches of government, especially the Legislature, which sees a lot of human traffic every day from legislators, aides, employees, civil society organizations, members of the executive and judicial branches, and visitors.
He recalled that the National Assembly has recently had to deal with a number of security issues, such as theft of cars and motorcycles, damage, unlawful access, the use of phony identification cards, and unapproved commerce within the complex.
The proposed legislation seeks to “align with international best practices in parliamentary security management and establish a structured framework that ensures the safety and smooth running of legislative affairs,” according to Hon. Garba.
AIG Emmanuel Aina, speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, issued a warning that establishing a distinct Directorate might lead to “parallel administrative functions” and jurisdictional overlaps.
“While the goal of enhancing security within the National Assembly is commendable, creating a separate Directorate might disrupt the existing coordination between the security agencies already operating effectively in that environment,” he said.
While endorsing the Bill in principle, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) demanded that some of its provisions be reviewed. The Corps noted that parliamentary security systems are frequently supervised by the police or another recognized authority in nations like the United States and Canada, with the Sergeant-at-Arms playing a crucial role in security coordination.
However, the plan received unqualified support from a number of State Assemblies.
Paul Samuel, the deputy clerk of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, characterized the move as “timely and essential,” stressing that it would improve security within the legislative branch and foster a clear career structure for its employees.
The Bill also received complete support from the Plateau State House of Assembly, represented by Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Sokowar John, and the Kano State House of Assembly, represented by Hon. Tukur Muhammad (Fagge Constituency).
Additionally, Comrade Mohammed, the National President of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), pledged unwavering support for the Directorate’s creation.
The Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly underlined that only qualified and legally certified individuals will be allowed to carry firearms in response to some attendees’ worries.
“The handling of firearms is subject to proper authorization and rigorous training,” he clarified. To keep the National Assembly complex safe, our staff members continue to collaborate closely with various law enforcement organizations and have undergone professional security training.
