President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, today 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.”

Speaking further on the review of the security arrangements, Maina noted: “There would be no loitering within and around the National Assembly by visitors and staff, and all vehicles to the National Assembly must be parked at the appropriate designated parking lots.

“There shall be proper screening of personnel coming into the National Assembly as well as the scanning of their hand bags and luggage. There would also 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 added that there would be periodic meeting with the security of the institution and 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.

•Photo shows entrance to the National Assembly Complex.