Nigeria's Reps Pass Bill to Professionalize Security Structure

On Tuesday, the Nigerian House of Representatives passed legislation aimed at overhauling the National Assembly's internal security structure by professionalizing its security architecture. The bill establishes the role of the head of National Assembly security, known as the Sergeant-at-Arms, who will now appoint personnel from within the National Assembly service rather than relying on retired military officers.

This change addresses concerns about the independence of parliamentary security and the career progression of legislative staff. The bill, sponsored by Akintund Rotimi, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, is a response to repeated security breaches, including the 2018 invasion of the Senate chamber.

It proposes that the Sergeant-at-Arms will have a minimum of 15 years of service and attain a specified rank. Additionally, the bill allows the Sergeant-at-Arms to carry arms within the National Assembly complex under strict conditions.

Following its passage in the House, the bill will be sent to the Senate for concurrence before being forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for assent.