State Assemblies back NASS security directorate bill, as Police raise red flag

By Christiana Ekpa

A wave of support is building for the proposed establishment of a Legislative Security Directorate in the National Assembly, even as some security agencies — notably the Nigeria Police Force — warned that parts of the Bill could create operational overlap and confusion.
The debate came to a head on Tuesday during a public hearing convened by the House Committee on Internal Security on the Bill titled:
“A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment and Functions of the Legislative Security Directorate in the National Assembly; to Provide for the Qualification and Conditions of Service of the Sergeant-At-Arms and Other Personnel of the Directorate and for Related Matters, 2024 (HB 1632).”
‘A Safer Parliament for All’
Speaking opening the session, Committee Chairman Hon. Garba Ibrahim Muhammad emphasized that the National Assembly needs a strong, well-coordinated security structure given its daily influx of lawmakers, staff, government officials, and citizens.
He noted that the legislature has faced a range of security challenges — from theft and vandalism to infiltration by individuals using fake identity cards.
“This Bill aims to adopt global best practices in parliamentary security and build a structure that guarantees safety for legislative operations,” Garba said.
Police, NSCDC Urge Caution
Representing the Inspector General of Police, AIG Emmanuel Aina commended the intent of the Bill but cautioned that creating a new directorate might duplicate existing functions and weaken inter-agency collaboration.
“While the motive is commendable, setting up another Directorate could result in overlapping responsibilities and a parallel chain of command,” Aina warned.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) expressed similar sentiments — supporting the Bill “in principle” but suggesting that Nigeria should mirror models in countries like the U.S. and Canada, where legislative security operates under the police or a designated agency, with the Sergeant-At-Arms playing a key coordinating role.
States, PASAN Throw Weight Behind the Bill
Despite reservations from some quarters, State Houses of Assembly and other stakeholders lined up in strong support of the proposal.
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly, represented by Deputy Clerk Paul Samuel, described the Bill as “timely and essential for institutional growth.”
He said it would professionalize legislative security and ensure clear career progression for staff.
Similarly, representatives from the Kano and Plateau State Assemblies — Hon. Tukur Muhammed (Fagge Constituency) and Deputy Sergeant-At-Arms Sokowar John, respectively — declared total backing for the Bill.