THE House of Representatives has raised serious security concerns following threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Chairman of the House Committee on Internal Security, Hon. Garba Muhammad, disclosed this on Tuesday during a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish a Legislative Security Directorate to bolster protection for lawmakers, workers, and visitors within the nation’s apex legislative institution.
Muhammad warned that the National Assembly regarded as the symbol of Nigeria’s democracy has come under increasing security threats, including infiltration by criminal elements posing as visitors.
“We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex and threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly,” he stated.
“Legislators are exposed to threats from constituents and others who gain easy access into their offices without any formal appointment.”
The chairman expressed concern over rising incidents of criminal activity around the complex — including vehicle theft, vandalism, impersonation with fake IDs, and uncontrolled access through multiple entry points.
He warned that without proactive security reinforcement, legislative duties could grind to a halt with dire consequences for governance.
“If legislative activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary and that will destabilise the democratic system and the nation at large.”
Muhammad emphasised that a coordinated security architecture is crucial to protect parliamentary processes and ensure lawmakers function without fear.
He described the proposed Legislative Security Directorate as a holistic response to the growing threats, one that aligns with global parliamentary security standards.
The lawmaker acknowledged the need to keep the National Assembly accessible to citizens as a democratic institution, but insisted that openness must not compromise safety.
“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 to protect legislators, staff, visitors, and property.”
Muhammad further urged state Houses of Assembly to adopt similar measures to guarantee legislative security nationwide.
He called on stakeholders to rally behind the bill to ensure the uninterrupted continuity of Nigeria’s democratic process.