The Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, said measures were put in place to ensure proper re-structuring of the Sergeant-at-arms in order to adequately respond to security challenges in the country.
Dogara, made this known in his keynote address during the opening,ceremony of Conference on Sergeant At Arms and Parliamentary Security in Abuja.
The Speaker said that in order to enhance the efficiency of the
sergeant-at-arm, there was the need to equip them to address any
serious security threats particularly those relating to terrorism.
According to him, “we must take steps to restructure the
Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly to enhance security and
professionalism.
“This will ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to
meet new realities and challenges.
“The development and implementation of a long-term plan is critical
to addressing requirements for efficient and effective security”.
He said that the proposed re-structuring must allow for a system of access control and a solid infrastructure for security systems that lays the groundwork for current and future requirements.
“I am aware of some proposals outlining concrete ideas on how to
modernise and improve the services and capabilities of
Sergeant-at-Arms,” he said.
Dogara further stated that these recommendations delineated a
forward-looking approach to parliamentary security design that will
undoubtedly evolve as new counter measures were developed to address emerging threats. .
The Speaker said that there may be need for new legal framework to increase efficiency as well as actualise the recommendations outlined.
He said, this will define the place of the Sergeant-at-Arms
and the role of other security agencies.
“It has been suggested that the following major divisions may become necessary in the new framework: Intelligence Division, VIP Protection Division, Law Enforcement Division, Chamber & Protocol Division and Emergency Management Division” he added.
Speaking further, Dogara also identified funding as crucial if long term security challenges and re-structuring the sergeant-at-arms were to be met.
He said that as new threats employed sophisticated technologies, law
enforcement in parliament must also rely on advanced technological
tools which are easy to use and inter operable.
The Speaker, further stressed that recent and planned advances in
information technology, offer significant opportunities for the
National Assembly to implement necessary security measures and
increase capacity in a cost-effective way.
“The need for greater operational coordination among the security
partners is an important component of a re-structured
Sergeant-at-arms.
“All security agencies working in the National Assembly should be
fully integrated and well prepared operationally to deliver on their
protective mandate proactively, efficiently and effectively.
“Officials within the agencies and institutions should strive to
work together to ensure a seamless transition towards this new
security model,’’ he said.
Dogara who called for improved synergy among security forces working in the National Assembly also urged for a continuous training and establishment of best practices.
Speaking also at the event, Mr Salisu Maikasuwa, the Clerk of the National Assembly, said that efforts had been made to restructure
sergeant-at-arm and upgrade it to a fully fledged department by the
National Assembly Commission.
According to him, efforts have also been be made to provide it with
the requisite facilities and also expose its staff to various capacity
building programmes to enhance their competences and skills.
“This workshop therefore, is one of such training programs and it is
my earnest hope that the participants will take full advantage of the
issues to be discussed by the resource persons for improved effective and efficient service delivery’’ he added.
