Saraki orders review of NASS security

Senate president, Bukola Saraki, has directed a review of all security arrangements in the National Assembly to keep the institution abreast of security challenges in the country.

According to the special adviser to the Senate president on security, Saleh Maina, 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.

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 had to do with security, met at different times to devise a common and water-tight plan.

A statement by the senior special assistant to the Senate president on print media, Chuks Okocha, on Sunday, noted that following the security meetings, it was decided that henceforth it was compulsory for all legislators, staff and visitors to the National Assembly to wear identity tag.

Maina also said as part of the review of the security arrangements, there would be no loitering within and around the National Assembly by visitors and staff, adding that all vehicles to the National Assembly must be parked at the appropriate designated parking lots.

He also said there shall be proper screening of personnel coming into the National Assembly as well as the scanning of their hand bags and luggage. 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 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.