The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a Bill seeking the establishment of a special Security Directorate for the National Assembly, to strengthen the Assembly’s security framework, ensuring autonomy, safety, and efficiency in line with global best practices.
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.
The bill will ensure that the Head of the National Assembly security is chosen from among the staff of the Directorate. Currently, the Head of the National Assembly security is appointed from outside the National Assembly and from retired security personnel.
Rotimi noted that historical global and domestic security breaches of parliaments highlight the urgent need for a specialized, 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, prioritizing 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 recognized 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.”
The Legislative Security Directorate, he said will oversee security in the National Assembly, protects members, staff, guests, and assets both physical and digital, coordinates with national security agencies while ensuring legislative independence.
The bill will also provide for appointment of the Sergeant-at-Arms who will serves as Head of the Directorate, maintains order in plenary and committee sessions, oversees security procedures and enforcement of protocols.