Abuja — The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Internal Security, Garba Muhammad, has disclosed that the National Assembly has received threats from terrorists to bomb the complex, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced security measures at Nigeria’s highest legislative institution.
Muhammad made the revelation on Tuesday during a public hearing on a bill seeking to establish the Legislative Security Directorate — a specialized body designed to improve security management and ensure the safety of lawmakers, staff, and visitors within the National Assembly premises.
According to him, the seat of Nigeria’s democracy has increasingly faced serious security challenges, including cases of car and motorcycle theft, vandalism, the use of fake identity cards, and infiltration by unregistered visitors.
“We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly complex and threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly,” Muhammad stated. “Legislators are also exposed to threats from constituents and others who gain easy access into their offices without formal appointments.”
The lawmaker expressed grave concern that such threats, if not immediately addressed, could disrupt legislative operations and potentially destabilize Nigeria’s democratic system.
“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,” he cautioned. “If activities are thwarted, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary — and that will destabilise democracy and the stability of the nation.”
Muhammad emphasized that the proposed Legislative Security Directorate aims to institutionalize a more effective, professional, and coordinated security architecture tailored to the peculiar needs of the National Assembly.
He explained that the new body would integrate various elements of security management, ranging from personnel vetting to surveillance, access control, and emergency response. This, he said, would ensure a safe environment for lawmakers to perform their duties effectively and without fear.
“That is why this bill is very important,” he added. “It seeks to address all the challenges mentioned and adopt world best practices in parliamentary security procedures and architecture.”
While acknowledging the National Assembly’s constitutional role as a people’s institution that must remain open and accessible, Muhammad insisted that openness should not come at the expense of safety.
“The legislature belongs to the people, but security cannot be compromised,” he said. “Our democracy will only thrive if we protect the system that sustains it.”
The hearing drew support from several stakeholders who echoed the need for robust internal security measures. Many urged the swift passage of the bill, describing it as a crucial step in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic stability amid rising national security concerns.
If approved, the Legislative Security Directorate will function as the central authority for the coordination and enforcement of all security operations within the National Assembly complex.
