Chairman of the National Assembly and President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has directed a review of all security arrangements in the National Assembly to keep the institution abreast of the current challenges in the country, especially now that the Boko Haram insurgency has receded.
According to the Special Adviser to the President of the Senate on Security, Major General Saleh Maina (rtd), the review of the security around the complex is part of the periodic plans to ensure better protection of lives and properties as well as improve on the existing arrangement.
General Maina said in carrying out the directive of the Senate President, the heads of all security agencies present in the Complex and other officials whose portfolio has to do with Security have met at different times to devise a common and water-tight plan.
Following the meetings, it has been decided that henceforth it is compulsory for all legislators, staff and visitors to the National Assembly to wear identity tag, Mania said.
He also said that as part of the review of the security arrangements, there would be no loitering within and around the National Assembly by visitors and staff. Gen. Maina further said all vehicles to the National Assembly must be parked at the appropriate designated parking lots.
He also said that there shall be proper screening of personnel coming into the National Assembly as well as the scanning of their hand bags and luggages. The Special Adviser called on the security officials at the National Assembly to be polite and firm to all in the course of carrying out their duties.
He also said that there would be training and retraining of security personnel and staff of the National Assembly as well as general maintenance and upgrading of equipment towards ensuring quick responses, communication and mobility in case of any threats in any location within the National Assembly.
Maina explained that the training of the concerned staff at the National Assembly will further ensure proper collaboration and coordination among all security agencies working within the huge complex and that henceforth, there will be a periodic meeting of all concerned with the security of the institution. Also, a general awareness campaign will be held for all those that have businesses within the National Assembly Complex to update them on the new development.
