By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has raised alarm over a reported threat by terrorists to bomb the National Assembly Complex, prompting renewed calls for a dedicated security structure to safeguard the legislative institution.
Chairman House Committee on Internal Security, Rep. Garba Ibrahim Muhammad, disclosed that credible intelligence indicated an increasing level of security risk facing the National Assembly, which necessitated urgent preventive measures. 
The chairman made the revelation during a public hearing on: “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment and the Functions of Legislative Security Directorate in the National Assembly; to provide for the qualifications and conditions of service of the Sergeant-At-Arms and other personnelof the Directorateandfor related matters, 2024 (HB 1632)”, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish the Legislative Security Directorate, an agency designed to strengthen internal security operations, protect lawmakers, staff, and visitors, and enhance emergency response within the parliamentary complex.
According to the committee, the National Assembly — regarded as the symbol of Nigeria’s democracy — has witnessed a worrying rise in security breaches, including car and motorcycle thefts, acts of vandalism, unauthorised entry, and the use of fake identification cards by intruders.
Lawmakers noted that the proposed directorate would ensure a coordinated security system, streamline access control, and provide intelligence-driven protection for the legislature against emerging threats.
The House reaffirmed its determination to safeguard democratic institutions and maintain public confidence in the safety and integrity of 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.
“Legislators are exposed to threats from constituents and others who gain easy access into their offices without any formal appointment,” he added.
He cautioned that failure to urgently tackle the security threats and existing lapses could disrupt legislative activities, posing serious consequences for governance and the democratic process.
The Chairman stressed that safeguarding the National Assembly demands a comprehensive and well-coordinated strategy—one that brings together various security components to create a safe environment where parliamentary functions can proceed without hindrance.
“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. If activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary at all — and that will destabilize legislative procedure, democracy, and the stability of the system, and our nation at large.
“That is why this Bill is very important,” he explained. “It seeks to address all the challenges as aforesaid and adopt world best practices of parliamentary security procedures and architecture,” he cautioned.
He further noted that while the National Assembly must remain accessible to the public to uphold democratic values, security must not be compromised.
“The need for effective security measures in the National Assembly cannot be overemphasized 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.
Rep. Garba further encouraged state Houses of Assembly across the country to adopt similar measures, ensuring that legislative security is strengthened at all levels.
He concluded by appealing for united support towards the passage of the bill, describing it as a crucial step in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic institutions and preserving the integrity of governance.
