The House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security has raised concerns over threats by terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex.
Chairman of the Committee, Garba Muhammad, disclosed this on Tuesday during a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish a Legislative Security Directorate to enhance safety for lawmakers, staff, and visitors within the Assembly premises.
Muhammad said the National Assembly has been facing rising security threats, including car and motorcycle theft, vandalism, use of fake identity cards, and infiltration by unregistered visitors.
“We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex and from protesters to lock up the building,” he said. “Legislators are also exposed to intimidation from constituents and other individuals who gain access to their offices without proper appointments.”
He warned that failure to address these challenges could disrupt legislative operations and endanger Nigeria’s democracy.
“It is obvious that with the ongoing security challenges, if proper measures are not taken, it could truncate legislative activities,” Muhammad cautioned. “Without representation, oversight, or budget sessions, the entire democratic process could be destabilised.”
The lawmaker explained that the proposed bill would adopt global best practices to create a coordinated and professional security structure for the National Assembly.
He stressed the need for a balance between public accessibility and safety, noting that while Parliament must remain open to citizens, its security must not be compromised.
“The bill seeks to ensure the best security architecture in the National Assembly to protect legislators, staff, visitors, and property,” Muhammad stated.
He also urged state Houses of Assembly to adopt similar security frameworks to safeguard legislative institutions across the country.
Muhammad called for collective support for the passage of the bill, describing it as a crucial step toward protecting Nigeria’s democracy from emerging threats.
