By George Ozalla
A heated public hearing on the proposed Bill for an Act to Establish the Legislative Security Directorate of the National Assembly (HB 1632) held yesterday at the National Assembly Complex turned into a rallying call for stronger internal security and statutory powers for the Sergeant-at-Arms, following growing concerns over infiltration, theft, and reported threats to the legislature.
The hearing, organised by the House Committee on Internal Security and the National Assembly Service Commission with support from the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), attracted senior police officers, parliamentary officials, state assembly representatives, stakeholders and civil society advocates who presented wide-ranging submissions on the urgent need to safeguard the nation’s highest law-making institution.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Garba Ibrahim Muhammad, in his opening address, lamented the recurring lapses within the complex and disclosed that intelligence reports have linked criminal elements and even terrorists to plots targeting the National Assembly. He described the legislature as “a vulnerable open institution” that urgently requires a coordinated, statutory framework to protect lawmakers, staff and visitors.
According to him, “We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly and from some protest groups threatening to lock up the complex. If proper measures are not taken, legislative business could be disrupted, and that would endanger our democracy.”
He cited rampant cases of theft of cars, mobile phones, laptops and other valuables within the complex, as well as the disturbing trend of unauthorised persons gaining access using fake identity cards or disguising as journalists, guests and support staff.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Member representing Oshodi/Isolo II Federal Constituency, commended the scope of the proposed legislation, describing it as “a timely safeguard for democracy.” He said the Bill seeks to institutionalize professionalism, discipline, and accountability in how internal security of the National Assembly is managed.
Representing the Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Inspector-General Emmanuel Adegbola Aina, Director of Legal Services at the Nigeria Police Force, said the Police strongly support a defined legislative security framework, but called for synergy among all agencies deployed within the complex.
AIG Aina noted that overlapping responsibilities among existing security units have often weakened coordination, stressing that “a workable framework of synergy is essential so that every outfit — Police, DSS, Civil Defence, and Sergeant-at-Arms — operates under unified command and intelligence-sharing structures.”
He further urged that the proposed Directorate, once established, must complement and not compete with the police, adding that a joint command centre, unified communication system and shared incident database would enhance efficiency and prevent breaches.
The Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly, Mr Emmanuel Onuigbo, also presented a detailed memorandum in support of the Bill. He described the initiative as “long overdue” and emphasised that the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms should be granted legal authority to bear arms and receive proper paramilitary training.
According to him, “The legislative environment has changed. We are no longer dealing with routine crowd control. There are sophisticated threats that require a well-trained, well-equipped and legally recognised internal security outfit capable of protecting both chambers.”
Mr Onuigbo equally supported the call for the establishment of a formal armoury within the complex, where all VIPs, security escorts and visitors entering the National Assembly would be required to deposit their firearms before entry, noting that this would eliminate intimidation and possible misuse of weapons within the premises.
The Deputy Clerk of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Mr Paul Okugya, in his presentation, said the insecurity plaguing the federal legislature mirrors challenges faced in state assemblies, where breaches are often due to weak access control and uncoordinated security management. He urged the National Assembly to set a national example by professionalising its internal security operations through a legally backed Directorate.
The public hearing also exposed the scale of security lapses within the National Assembly complex. Reports indicate that touts, beggars and unauthorised visitors regularly gain entry into the premises under false pretences, often posing as journalists, NGO members, pressure groups, solidarity groups or legislative aides. Some, according to lawmakers, have used these disguises to steal valuables from offices, vehicles and even committee rooms.
It has become a recurring embarrassment, with several legislators and guests reportedly losing mobile phones and personal effects within the complex. Observers say these breaches persist due to the lax attitude and occasional complicity of some security operatives and the Sergeant-at-Arms unit, who allegedly grant familiar but unauthorised faces repeated access without proper screening.
Stakeholders at the hearing unanimously agreed that only a professional, well-equipped and accountable Directorate can curb the menace. They argued that the National Assembly, being the symbol of Nigeria’s democracy, cannot continue to rely solely on external security agencies for its protection.
At the close of the session, the Committee announced that it will continue to receive written submissions from interested stakeholders for ten working days before compiling its report for presentation at plenary.
The proposed Legislative Security Directorate Bill (HB 1632) seeks to establish a statutory security framework within the National Assembly, define the powers and structure of the Sergeant-at-Arms’ office, and ensure inter-agency collaboration with the Police, Department of State Services, Civil Defence Corps and other national security bodies.
If passed, the law would mark the first formal step toward institutionalizing an internal security command for Nigeria’s legislature, ensuring that the seat of democracy remains safe, professional and respected.
