State Assemblies Rally Behind Bill for Creation of National Assembly Security Directorate

The proposed law aiming to create a Legislative Security Directorate for the National Assembly has received strong support from State Houses of Assembly and a number of important parties. Some security organizations, such as the Nigeria Police Force, have expressed disapproval of certain provisions of the proposed legislation.

During a public hearing held on Tuesday by the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security regarding 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 for 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 lawmakers, aides, staff, civil society organizations, members of the executive and judicial branches, and visitors.

He noted that the National Assembly has recently struggled with a number of security issues, such as theft of cars and motorcycles, damage, unauthorized access, the use of fictitious identification cards, and unlawful trading within the complex.

According to Hon. Garba, the proposed legislation seeks to “establish a structured framework that ensures the safety and smooth running of legislative affairs and align with international best practices in parliamentary security management.”

AIG Emmanuel Aina, speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, issued a warning that establishing a distinct Directorate would result in “parallel administrative functions” and jurisdictional overlaps.

“While the goal to enhance 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 Defense Corps (NSCDC) demanded that certain of its provisions be reviewed. The Corps noted that parliamentary security systems are frequently managed by the police or a recognized organization in nations like the United States and Canada, with the Sergeant-at-Arms playing a crucial role in security coordination.

However, the initiative received unwavering support from a number of State Assemblies.

Paul Samuel, the deputy clerk of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, called the effort “timely and essential,” stressing that it would improve security within the legislative branch and foster a clear career structure for its employees.

In a similar vein, the Bill 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 Muhammed (Fagge Constituency).

The creation of the Directorate was also fully supported by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), as represented by Comrade Mohammed, National President.

The Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly underlined that only qualified and legally certified personnel will be allowed to carry firearms, addressing concerns expressed by some attendees over this matter.

“The handling of firearms is subject to proper authorization and strict training,” he clarified. To keep the National Assembly complex safe, our staff members have undergone professional security training and are still closely collaborating with various law enforcement organizations.