The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security, Garba Muhammad, has disclosed that terrorists have issued threats to bomb the National Assembly complex, prompting urgent calls for tighter security measures within the legislative premises.
Muhammad made the revelation during a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Legislative Security Directorate, designed to enhance security management and protect lawmakers, staff, and visitors at the National Assembly.
He noted that the seat of Nigeria’s democracy has recently faced increasing security threats, including incidents of vehicle and motorcycle theft, vandalism, the use of fake identity cards, and infiltration by unregistered visitors.
He stated, “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 into their offices without any formal appointment.”
The lawmaker warned that failure to act swiftly could jeopardize legislative operations, which would have dire consequences for governance and democracy.
“It is obvious that with the ongoing security challenges, if proper measures are not taken, it will truncate the legislative activities in the National Assembly,” he cautioned. “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.”
Muhammad stressed the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to security management, one that integrates multiple elements to safeguard the legislative environment and ensure the smooth conduct of parliamentary duties.
He explained, “That is why this bill is very important. It seeks to address all the challenges as aforesaid and adopt world best practices of parliamentary security procedures and architecture.”
While emphasizing that the National Assembly must remain open to the public to preserve democratic ideals, Muhammad maintained that safety should not be compromised.
“The need for effective security measures in the National Assembly cannot be overemphasised because Parliament has to remain accessible to the public. However, this bill is committed to ensuring the best security architecture in the National Assembly to protect legislators, staff, visitors and property,” he said.
The lawmaker further encouraged state Houses of Assembly across the country to replicate similar measures to guarantee comprehensive legislative security nationwide.
He concluded by calling for collective support for the bill’s passage, describing it as a crucial step toward safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
