The House of Representatives has taken a major step toward reshaping the security framework of the National Assembly as lawmakers passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish a Legislative Security Directorate. If passed into law, the bill will ensure that the head of security within the National Assembly is chosen from within the directorate instead of being appointed from retired security personnel outside the legislature.
The bill, sponsored by Hon. Akintunde Rotimi, aims to strengthen the autonomy, efficiency, and professionalism of security operations at the National Assembly. Currently, security at the legislative complex is fragmented and lacks a coordinated statutory backing. The proposed law is designed to create a structured security system that guarantees the safety of lawmakers, staff, visitors, and digital assets while ensuring that the legislative arm remains independent from external security influences.
Hon. Rotimi, who also serves as the House Spokesman, argued that as the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy, the National Assembly requires a dedicated security structure to effectively safeguard its legislative, oversight, and representative roles. He pointed out that past security breaches in parliaments globally have highlighted the urgency of a specialized, well-trained, and well-resourced security force. With rising security concerns, legislators believe an internal security unit will not only improve efficiency but also eliminate undue interference in National Assembly security operations.
The proposed Legislative Security Directorate will oversee all security operations in the National Assembly complex, provide protection for lawmakers, staff, and visitors, safeguard critical physical and digital assets, and coordinate with national security agencies while maintaining legislative independence. The bill also seeks to grant legal backing to the role of the Sergeant-at-Arms, who will serve as the head of the directorate, maintain order in plenary and committee sessions, oversee security procedures, and enforce legislative security protocols.
According to Rotimi, the bill aligns with Agenda 2 of the 10th House of Representatives Legislative Agenda, which prioritizes security reforms within the National Assembly. The agenda clearly states that the Sergeant-at-Arms should be officially recognized as the primary security authority of the National Assembly, with other security agencies assisting only when necessary. This move is expected to bring Nigeria’s legislative security system in line with global standards.
The lawmaker referenced international examples where legislative security forces are structured independently, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, where the Sergeant-at-Arms functions as a parliamentary police force. These nations have well-established security models that Nigeria can adopt to enhance the safety and efficiency of legislative activities.
The bill has received support from lawmakers who argue that a statutory-backed, well-structured security framework is essential for protecting the institution of democracy in Nigeria. They believe that an independent security directorate will provide better coordination, reduce security lapses, and prevent the politicization of security appointments within the legislature.
Debate over the bill’s passage continues as stakeholders urge swift legislative action to ensure that the National Assembly is adequately protected from both internal and external threats. If successfully enacted, this legislation could mark a historic transformation in Nigeria’s parliamentary security framework, setting a precedent for security reforms across other government institutions.