NASS Restricts Aides Access to Corridor Near Akpabio’s Office Over Security

The National Assembly (NASS) has officially announced the implementation of reinforced security measures, specifically restricting movement around the office of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. This action, aimed at ensuring a “secure and safe environment” for legislative duties, was communicated through a memo dated October 2, 2025, and signed by the sergeant-at-arms of the National Assembly, retired Brigadier-General Etido Ekpo.

The new directive strictly limits access to the long corridor that links the White House lobby to the Senate President’s office. Henceforth, this passage is to be reserved exclusively for Senators and Members of the House of Representatives. Crucially, the memo explicitly states that aides and personal assistants of the lawmakers will no longer be permitted access to this restricted area.

Sergeant-at-Arms Etido Ekpo, in his statement, requested that lawmakers ensure they disseminate this important information to their aides to guarantee compliance with the new security protocol. The imposition of these restrictions comes just days before the National Assembly is scheduled to resume plenary sittings on October 7, following a recess that spanned over two months. This measure highlights a growing concern for security within the legislative complex as the country’s law-making body prepares to resume its official duties.

The political context surrounding this move includes recent reports of tensions within the Senate, which some commentators believe may have contributed to the decision to tighten security around the Senate President’s immediate working area. The focus on enhancing safety reflects a growing prioritisation of security at the highest levels of the legislature.

See statement below.