The House of Representatives has raised alarm over threats by terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
Chairman of the Committee on Internal Security, Hon. Garba Muhammad, revealed this on Tuesday during a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Legislative Security Directorate at the National Assembly.
The proposed bill aims to define the qualifications, responsibilities, and conditions of service for the Sergeant-at-Arms and other security personnel within the legislature.
According to Muhammad, ensuring security in all arms of government especially the legislature is critical given the constant influx of lawmakers, staff, executives, judiciary members, civil groups, and individuals who visit the complex daily.
He noted that the high level of daily activity makes the parliament a potential target for criminal infiltration.
“The National Assembly is facing serious security challenges. We have experienced cases of car and motorcycle theft, vandalism, fake identity cards, and unauthorized access by individuals without proper documentation,” Muhammad lamented.
He added that beyond petty crimes, there have been explicit threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly and from protesters threatening to lock up the complex.
Muhammad expressed concern that lawmakers face direct threats from constituents and other individuals who gain easy access to their offices without formal appointments.
“If adequate security measures are not put in place, legislative activities could be disrupted no representation, no oversight, no plenary sessions, and ultimately, democracy itself could be endangered,” he warned.
He emphasized the need for a comprehensive and integrated security framework to safeguard the legislative environment and ensure uninterrupted parliamentary proceedings.
Muhammad urged state Houses of Assembly to adopt similar security strategies, stressing that the proposed Legislative Security Directorate would align Nigeria’s parliamentary protection systems with global best practices.
