The House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security has raised the alarm over threats by terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex, calling for immediate fortification of the edifice as a proactive security measure.
Chairman of the committee, Garba Muhammad, disclosed this on Tuesday during a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Legislative Security Directorate — a body proposed to strengthen security management and protect lawmakers, staff, and visitors within the parliament.
Muhammad revealed that the complex, which houses both the Senate and the House of Representatives, has faced a range of security challenges, including car and motorcycle theft, vandalism, fake identity cards, and infiltration by unregistered visitors.
He said, “We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex and threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly. Legislators are exposed to threats from constituents and others who gain easy access to their offices without any formal appointment.
“It is obvious that with the ongoing security challenges, if proper measures are not taken, it will truncate legislative activities. If activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary at all — and that will destabilise the legislative process, democracy, and the stability of our nation.”
The Kano lawmaker stressed that effective security management requires a holistic and coordinated strategy, integrating multi-layered measures to safeguard the National Assembly and ensure lawmakers perform their duties in an atmosphere of peace.
“That is why this bill is important,” he added. “It seeks to address these challenges and adopt global best practices in parliamentary security procedures and architecture. While parliament must remain accessible to the public, the bill aims to ensure a robust security framework to protect legislators, staff, visitors, and property.”
Muhammad also urged state Houses of Assembly to strengthen security in their complexes across the country and called for stakeholder support for the quick passage of the bill, describing it as a vital step toward safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“I wish us a peaceful and fruitful hearing that will ultimately bring a turnaround in the National Assembly’s security architecture,” he said.
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