Bill to establish security Directorate for NASS passes second reading

The House of Representatives has passed a Bill for second reading that aims to establish a special security Directorate for the National Assembly.
If passed and signed into law, the bill will ensure that the head of National Assembly security is selected from within the Directorate’s staff. Currently, the position is filled by someone from outside the National Assembly, typically a retired security personnel.
Leading the debate for the bill, its sponsor, Akintunde Rotimi, said the bill seeks to establish the Legislative Security Directorate in the National Assembly, define its functions, and set qualifications and conditions of service for the Sergeant-at-Arms and other security personnel.
According to him, the proposed law is to strengthen the National Assembly’s security framework, ensuring autonomy, safety, and efficiency in line with global best practices.
He argued that as Nigeria’s democratic foundation, the National Assembly requires a robust security for its legislative, oversight, and representative roles, adding that the current structure is fragmented and lacks statutory backing for a professional, well-coordinated approach.
He said further that historical global and domestic security breaches of parliaments highlight the urgent need for a specialised, well-trained, and adequately resourced security outfit.
He said the bill aligns with Agenda 2 of the 10th House of Representatives
Legislative Agenda which aimed at Improving, prioritising and reforming National Assembly security.
The agenda explicitly states that “The Sergeant-at-Arms is typically responsible for maintaining order and security within the Parliament or Legislative Assembly. The SAA will be recognised as the National Assembly’s official and primary security outfit, with other security agencies to assist when and where necessary. This will require reforming and strengthening it to provide effective security for the Assembly.”
Rotimi, who also serves as the House Spokesman, explained that the bill highlights the importance of establishing a legal framework to strengthen the authority, capacity, and professionalism of the Sergeant-at-Arms.
He noted that the Legislative Security Directorate, as outlined in the bill, will be responsible for overseeing security within the National Assembly, safeguarding members, staff, guests, and both physical and digital assets. The Directorate will also coordinate with national security agencies to ensure comprehensive protection.
The bill further provides for the appointment of the Sergeant-at-Arms as the Head of the Directorate, who will be responsible for maintaining order during plenary and committee sessions, overseeing security procedures, and enforcing protocols.
Rotimi also pointed out that in other countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, the Sergeant-at-Arms functions as the parliamentary police.