Daniel Otera
A fresh wave of concern has swept through Nigeria’s legislative corridors following revelations that terrorists have issued threats to bomb the National Assembly complex in Abuja. The disclosure, made by the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security, Garba Muhammad on Tuesday, has reignited urgent calls for a comprehensive security reform within the country’s apex lawmaking institution.
Speaking during a public hearing on a proposed bill to establish a Legislative Security Directorate, Muhammad painted a stark picture of the growing vulnerabilities facing the National Assembly.
“We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex and threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly,” he said, warning that the current security lapses could have dire consequences for Nigeria’s democratic stability.
The proposed bill, currently under legislative consideration, seeks to create a dedicated security directorate tasked with safeguarding lawmakers, staff, and visitors. According to Muhammad, the National Assembly has become increasingly susceptible to a range of security breaches, including vehicle theft, vandalism, infiltration by unregistered individuals, and the use of fake identity cards.
“Legislators are exposed to threats from constituents and others who gain easy access into their offices without any formal appointment,” he noted, stressing that the absence of a robust security framework could lead to a breakdown in legislative functions. “If activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary at all and that will destabilise legislative procedure, democracy, and the stability of the system, and our nation at large.”
The proposed Legislative Security Directorate is envisioned as a centralised body that would adopt global best practices in parliamentary security architecture. It aims to integrate surveillance, access control, intelligence gathering, and emergency response into a unified system tailored to the unique needs of the legislature.
Muhammad acknowledged the delicate balance between maintaining public access to Parliament and ensuring the safety of its occupants.
“The need for effective security measures in the National Assembly cannot be overemphasised because Parliament has to remain accessible to the public,” he said. “However, this bill is committed to ensuring the best security architecture in the National Assembly to protect legislators, staff, visitors and property.”
The lawmaker also urged state Houses of Assembly across the country to replicate the initiative, arguing that a nationwide legislative security framework is essential to fortify Nigeria’s democratic institutions against emerging threats.
The National Assembly complex, often referred to as the heart of Nigeria’s democracy, has witnessed a series of security incidents in recent years. From the invasion of the Senate chamber by hoodlums in 2018 to sporadic protests at its gates, the need for a fortified and professional security apparatus has become increasingly evident.