R E V I E W O F R E L E VA N T I N F O R M AT I O N O N N I G E R I A’ S D E M O C R A C Y

NOVEMBER, 2017
FACTSHEET
SUMMARY OF SELECTED SECURITY
SECTOR RELATED BILLS IN THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES

T
his Factsheet contains summaries of provisions of selected security sector related bills at various
stages of the legislative process in the House of Representatives as at 21st November 2017.
Some of the bills seek to address gaps and obsolete provisions in existing legal frameworks,
while others are proposals for new legislation.

A. PASSED

S/No. Bill No./Title/ Sponsor Objective Highlights

HB 313: A Bill for an The Bill seeks to The bill sets up the institute as a
Act to Establish the provide for the body corporate with perpetual
Nigerian Air Force establishment of the succession and a common seal.
Institute of Technology Air Force Institute of It outlines the objectives of the
to Provide Technical Technology to provide Institute, which includes research
Training to Personnel of technical training to and development, and creation of
Nigeria Air Force and personnel of Nigerian a world space centre in aerospace
other Services of the Air Force and other and aeronautical engineering,
Nigerian Armed Forces services of the Armed among others. It further empowers
and for connected Forces in Nigeria and the Institute to establish campuses,
Purposes other Africa Countries. departments and teaching units
as it may deem fit; institute
Hon. Samson Okwu professorship, award fellowships,
(PDP: Benue) hold examinations and grant
degrees, diplomas and certificates
and other academic titles.

HB 314: This Bill seeks to This Bill creates a fund to be used

Long Title: A Bill establish the Police for the procurement of equipment
for an Act to Procurement Fund such as body amour, ballistic vests,
Establish the Police for the procurement armed vehicles, helicopters to
Procurement Fund of Law enforcement name a few as well as renovations,
for the procurement Equipment to assist training, welfare and enhancement
of Law enforcement the Nigerian Police of police performance. A Police
Equipment to assist the Force in the Protection Procurement Fund Board is also
Nigerian Police Force in of lives and Property established to administer the Fund.
the Protection of lives and for Other Related
and Property and for matters.
Other Related matters.

Hon. Ezenwa Onyewuchi

(PDP:Imo)

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S/No. Bill No./Title/ Sponsor Objective Highlights
HB 718: The Bill seeks to Clause 1(1) of the Bill establishes a
Bill to establish the establish the Vigilante Vigilante Group of Nigeria – which
Vigilante Group Group of Nigeria to shall be established in each State
of Nigeria (VGN) provide Community and local government of Nigeria
Charged with the Policing, Maintenance – clause 1(3). A Vigilante Group of
Responsibilities of Law and Order and Nigeria Board shall be responsible
among others; Provide Community Service for for the administration of the
Community Policing, Nigerians. Vigilante Group of Nigeria Act –
Maintenance of clause 2(1).
Law and Order and
Community Service Among others, the Board shall be
for Nigerian and for responsible for the fixing of the
related Matters terms and conditions of the service
of members and employees of the
Hon. Abbas Tajudeen group, including their remuneration-
(APC:Kaduna) clause 3(1)(e).

Functions of a vigilante group in a

community include the assistance
of the Nigerian police in the
prevention and detection of crime,
maintenance of law and order in
all social gatherings and engaging
in other acts of community
service such as in the clearance of
drainages and sewages, cleaning
of oil spillages and even raising
public awareness against abduction,
kidnapping, cultism, and violence
against women and children- clause
5.

The Public Officers Protection Act

shall apply in relation to any suit
against any officer or employee of
the group-clause 23(1). This means
for instance that no suits should
be instituted in any court against
the Group unless it is commenced
within 3 months of the action,
neglect or default.

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B. REPORTED OUT OF COMMITTEE
S/No. Bill No./Title/ Sponsor Objective Highlights

HB 182: A Bill for The Bill aims to amend The bill increases the penalty for
an Act to Amend the Firearms At Cap possession of mussle loading firearm
the Firearms Act, F28 LFN 1959 to within a specified area without a
1959, to Increase increase penalties license, late or none notification of
Penalties for Offences, for offences. It also loss, theft, destruction of firearms,
miscellaneous seeks to review and failure to comply with provisions on
Provisions under the update obsolete registered dealer’s armoury, sale or
Act and Other matters miscellaneous transfer of firearms or ammunition
connected therewith provisions. to license holders or stamping of
all firearms sold and transferred,
Hon. Odebunmi to a fine of N200,000 a terms of
Olusegun Dokun imprisonment for 4 years or both.
(PDP:Oyo)
It increases the penalty for failure
to produce a license for a firearm
or ammunition or the firearm/
ammunition itself from to a fine of
N200,000, 3 years imprisonment or
both upon conviction. It also provides
a definition of reasonable time for
compliance with the production of
a license; as such reasonable time
means not less than 24 hours and not
more than 72 hours.

In addition, it amends the Second

Schedule (Regulation 46) by
increasing the amount that should be
paid as fees for licenses, permits and
registration, and renewals.

C. REFERRED TO A COMMITTEE(S)

S/No. Bill No./Title/ Sponsor Objective Highlights

HB 670: A Bill for The Bill seeks to repeal The Bill repeals the Explosives Act
an Act to repeal the the Explosives Act Cap Cap E18 LFN 2004
Explosives Act Cap E18 E18 LFN 2004
Laws of the Federation This has been consolidated with
Nigeria 2004 HB379, HB 498 and HB 552.

Hon. Saidu Miga

(APC: Jigawa)

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S/No. Bill No./Title/ Sponsor Objective
HB 83: A Bill for an The Bill seeks
Act to Establish the to establish the
Security Services security services
Welfare Infrastructure welfare infrastructure
Development development
Commission to Provide commission to provide
among other Things, management of the
Management and welfare infrastructure
Review of the Welfare of the security services;
Infrastructure of the and review the state of
Security Services; welfare infrastructure
and for Connected of the security services.
Purposes
Hon. Joan Mrakpor
(PDP: Delta)
HB 70: A Bill for an Act The Bill aims to
to Amend the Armed amend the Armed
Force Act Cap A20 Forces Act to make
Laws of the Federation the appointment of
2004 to Make the service chiefs subject
Appointment of to confirmation by the
Service Chiefs Subject National Assembly;
to Confirmation by the and bring the Armed
National Assembly Forces Act in line with
recent constitutional
Hon. Raphael Igbokwe interpretation by the
(PDP: Imo) Courts.
HB 46: A Bill for an Act The Bill seeks to
to Amend the Army increase the amount
Colour (Prohibition of provided as penalty
Use) Act 1977, and for non-compliance
for matters connected with provisions of the
therewith Principal Act.
Hon. Oghene Emma It also expands on the
Egoh (PDP: Lagos) coverage in terms of
the kinds of vessels
or machines that are
prohibited from having
Army colors, if they
do not belong to the
Nigerian Army.
It further seeks to
review and update an
obsolete legislation.
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Highlights
The Bill creates a commission that
is mandated to identify the welfare
infrastructure necessary in every
security service establishment in
Nigeria; determine the minimum
standard of welfare infrastructure
to be used in every security service
and determine the method for the
development of the welfare needs
of every unit of the security services,
to name a few. It also creates a fund
to be used for the development
of security services welfare
infrastructure.
The Bill seeks to make the
appointment of service chiefs
subject to confirmation of the
National Assembly. However,
this is already provided for under
the Act. The Act also provides
that such appointment be made
in consultation with the Chief of
Defence Staff. The amendment here
is to substitute the Chief of Defence
Staff with the Minister of Defence.
The Bill seeks to amend Section 1
of the Principal Act to prohibit the
operation and use of “Aircrafts”
and “Water Vessels” not belonging
to the Army and painted in Army
green. It further seeks to penalize
this violation with a Five Hundred
Thousand Naira (N500,000) fine or
12 months imprisonment or both.
S/No. Bill No./Title/ Sponsor Objective Highlights
HB 399: A Bill for The objectives of The Bill repeals and re-enacts the
an Act to repeal the the Bill are to repeal Defence Industry Corporation of
Defence Industry the Defence Industry Nigeria Act Cap D4 Law of the
Corporation of Nigeria Corporation of Nigeria Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Some
Act Cap D4 Law of the Act Cap D4 Law of the of the objectives of the Corporation
Federation of Nigeria, Federation of Nigeria, include meeting the material needs
2004 and Enact the 2004; and enact the of the Armed Forces and other
Defence Industry Defence Industry security agencies, developing,
Corporation of Nigeria Corporation of Nigeria utilizing, marketing and exporting
Bill 2016 Bill 2016. normal and advanced military
technologies and satisfying the
civil-non-defence technological
Hon. Oluwole Oke needs of Nigeria. It establishes an
(PDP: Osun) 18-man Corporation Board to be
headed by a Director General. It
further empowers the Corporation
to operate ordnance or ancillary
factories under its control on a
sound commercial basis.

The Bill empowers the Corporation

to set up subsidiaries, enter
into joint venture agreements,
partnerships, collaborate with
commercial entities and research
institutions as well as acquire
moribund industries, properties,
machineries or facilities adapted
or converted in promoting and
actualizing its objectives and
functions.

It also limits the application of

the Firearms Act by preventing
the Corporation from importing
any Firearm (as defined under the
Firearms Act) or preventing the
manufacture, assembly, repair or
disposal of any such firearm or
ammunition in an ordnance factory.
It gives the Corporation the power
to issue licenses to manufacturers,
distributors, sellers and persons
involved in leasing defence articles
in Nigeria.

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S/No. Bill No./Title/ Sponsor
HB 115: A Bill for an
Act to provide for
the Establishment
of the Nigeria Police
Academy as a Degree
Awarding Institution
and for other matters
connected therewith
Objective Highlights
The Bill seeks to The Bill establishes an institution,
establish the Nigerian which shall have the power to
Police Academy as award degrees, diplomas and
a degree awarding certificates in accordance with the
institution. highest academic standards as
may be prescribed by the National
Universities Commission (NUC).

Hon. Ossai Nicholas

Ossai (PDP: Delta)

HB 333: A Bill for an The Bill aims to It consolidates the Terrorism

Act to make Provisions
for Offences relating to
Terrorism, Prohibit the
Financing of Terrorism
and Consolidate
all Acts relating to
Terrorism and for
Related Matters
consolidate the (Prevention) Act 2011 and the
Terrorism (Prevention) Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment)
Act 2011 and the Act 2013 and repeals the respective
Terrorism (Prevention) Acts to have one law on Terrorism
(Amendment) Act Prevention.
2013 and repeal the
consolidated acts.

Hon. Mohammed
Monguno (APC: Borno)

HB 379: A Bill for The Bill seeks to The Bill amends Section 1(2)(e) by
an Act to Amend provide stiffer penalties increasing the amount provided as
the Explosive Act, for non- compliance penalty from One Thousand Naira
2004 relating to their with the provisions of (N1,000) to One Hundred Thousand
Regulation, Penalties the extant Principal Naira (N100,0000 and the term for
for Defaulters and Act. imprisonment from Two (2) years to
Other matters Ten (10) years.
connected therewith
This has been consolidated with HB
Hon. Lucas Gideon 670, HB 498 and HB 552.
Gwani (PDP: Kaduna)

HB 171: A Bill for an
Act to provide for
the Protection of
Persons who Render
Reasonable Assistance
During Emergency
Situations Occurring at
Places within Federal
Jurisdiction and to
Serve as a Model to be
Adopted by the States
of the Federation
The Bill seeks to The Bill provides a legal framework
provide for the for securing and protecting the lives
protection of of individuals who render assistance
persons who render to persons during dangerous or
reasonable assistance unexpected situations that require
during emergency immediate action.
situations occurring at
places within federal
jurisdictions.

Hon. Babajimi Adegoke

Benson (APC: Lagos)

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S/No. Bill No./Title/ Sponsor Objective Highlights
HB 830: A Bill for an The objective of The Bill seeks to protect the
Act to Provide for the Bill is to provide identities of National Security
the Protection of the protection of the Agencies Officers or Agents from
Identity of National identity of National being disclosed without due
Security Agencies Security Agencies authorization. A breach of this
Officers, Agents, Officers, Agents, provision attracts a prison term and/
Sources, Informants Sources, Informants or fine.
and Operational and operational
Methods from Unlawful methods from unlawful The Bill also makes it an offence
Disclosure, to Protect disclosure, to protect to enter, inspect, photograph,
its Establishments, its establishments, sketch or record the description
Facilities and facilities and of an establishment or facility of
Equipment against equipment against the Agency, obstruct or mislead
Unauthorized Access; unauthorized access a person engaged in guarding a
as well as Provide and provide for facility of the Agency.
for the Promotion the promotion and
and Enhancement enhancement of Furthermore, it penalises damaging
of Nigeria’s external Nigeria’s external disclosure of information by any
Security and for Security. public officer or government
Related Matters contractor relating to security or
intelligence, classified international
relations or information received in
Hon. Oluwole Oke confidence from an international
(PDP: Osun) organization without lawful authority.
Damaging disclosure is defined as
disclosure likely to cause harm to the
interest of the agency, government
of Nigeria, impede the work of the
agency or cause injury to its officers.

It also accords officers of the Agency

the same powers as the Police under
the Police Act and states that they
can exercise these powers both
within and outside Nigeria.

HB 552: A Bill for The Bill seeks to The Bill would establish
an Act to Repeal abolish the obsolete comprehensive provisions for the
the Explosive Act, provisions of the use and control of Explosives in
2004 and Re-enact existent Principal Act Nigeria if signed into law.
Explosive Act, 2016 to (Explosive Act, 1967)
make Comprehensive and endorse the new The Bill has been consolidated with
Provisions for the provisions of the the HB 498, HB 379 and HB 670.
Use and Control of Explosive Act, 2016
Explosive in Nigeria
and for related
matters.

Hon. Rimamnde
Shawulu Kwewum (PDP:
Taraba)

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S/No. Bill No./Title/ Sponsor Objective
HB 416: A Bill for an To amend the
Act to Amend the Nigerian Security and
Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps
Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Act 2003
Act 2003 to provide guidance
for the enforcement
Hon. Abdussamad of security measures
Dasuki (APC:Sokoto) through the
requirement for
the installation and
management of closed
circuit television
(CCTV) in any pubic
or private premises or
location designated a
high public space.
HB 447: A Bill for an The Bill seeks to
Act to Amend the amend the Terrorism
Terrorism Act, 2011 Prevention Act, 2011.
and for purposes
connected therewith
Hon. Ahmad Usman
Baba Kaita (APC:
Katsina)
HB 1117: A Bill for The Bill seeks to
an Act to Amend the amend the Nigerian
Nigerian Security and Security and Civil
Civil Defence Corps Defence Corps Act
Act Cap N46 LFN Cap N46 LFN 2004
2004 to Among Other to provide for the
Things Provide for the maintenance of peace
Maintenance of Peace and order, protection
and Order, Protection and rescuing the civil
and Rescuing the Civil population during
Population during emergency.
Emergency and for
Related Matters
Hon. Danasabe Charles
Hosea (PDP: Taraba)
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Highlights
The Bill provides that the NSCDC
will be responsible for security
assessment of public and private
premises for the installation and
maintenance of CCTV.
It also provides for application for
designation as a high-risk public
place by individuals or corporate
bodies. It defines a ‘high risk public
place’ to include places that host a
large member of the public such as
hotels, restaurants, parks, stadia and
others as well as places likely to be
subject to terrorist or other criminal
attack.
The Bill allows the NSCDC to issue
a notice requiring a high-risk public
place to install and maintain CCTV.
The Bill seeks to amend the Act
by applying stringent prison terms
for terrorist offences, removing
ambiguities in relevant clauses and
seeks to enable the Act confirm
with the present realities of fighting
terrorism.
The Bill provides minor amendments
to several provisions to the Nigerian
Security and Civil Defence Corps
Act. Notable is the increase of
the penalty in section 24 of the
Principal Act, which deals with
misuse of information by officers,
breach of provisions on secrecy,
confidentiality and non-disclosure of
information, from Twenty Thousand
Naira (N20,000) to Two Hundred
Thousand Naira (N200,000).
S/No. Bill No./Title/ Sponsor
HB 894: A Bill for an
Act to Establish the
Nigerian Police Reform
Trust Fund and other
Related Matters
Hon. Oni Olamide
Johnson (PDP: Ekiti)
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Objective
The objectives of the
Bill are to provide
a legal framework
for management
and control of the
special intervention
fund for training and
retraining of personnel
of the Nigeria Police
Force and Provision
of equipment and
related facilities for
the enhancement of
the skills of Nigeria
Police personnel in the
handling of operational
equipment and
machineries.
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Highlights
The Bill establishes a Nigeria Police
reform Trust Fund, which shall
operate for a period of six (6) years
from the commencement of the law.
The Fund will cover all personnel
of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF),
including its auxiliary staff in Nigeria
and abroad for overall improvement
and efficiency in the discharge of the
duties and responsibilities.
The Trust Fund will be used to:
To meet the training and re-training
needs of the personnel of the
Nigeria Police Force and its auxiliary
staff
For enhancement of skills of staff
For overall improvement,
performance and efficiency in
the discharge of duties and
responsibilities
Purchase of equipment and
machineries including operational
vehicles
Construction of police stations and
provision of living facilities
Finance procurement of books,
instructional materials, training
equipment to be used at Police
colleges
Meet the cost of participation of
NPF personnel at seminars and
conferences related to policing or
intelligence gathering.
The Bill establishes the Police Trust
Fund Management Board with the
mandate to set out policies and
programs for the training of NPF
personnel and its auxiliary staff,
approve disbursement of funds from
the Trust Fund to finance projects
and activities of the NPF and police
institutions beneficiaries; scrutinise
and approve projects which qualify
for financing.
The Bill also creates the Police
Reform Trust Project Implementation
Committee and an Administration
Fund for the day to ay
administration of the Trust Fund.
S/No. Bill No./Title/ Sponsor Objective Highlights
HB 498: A Bill for The Bill seeks to repeal It repeals the Explosives Act Cap
an Act to make the Explosives Act Cap E18 LFN 2004. The Bill provides a
provisions for the E18 LFN 2004 and legal framework for the regulation of
Control of Importation, make provisions for the fireworks and explosive devices to
Manufacture, control of importation, ensure public safety and security of
Distribution, Storage, manufacture, lives and properties.
Possession and Use distribution, storage,
of Firecrackers, possession and use of It provides that no individual or
explosives and other firecrackers, explosives group shall import firecrackers of
Pyrotechnic Substances and other pyrotechnic explosives without a permit from the
and for related substances. Excise Department of the Nigerian
matters. Customs Service in consultation with
the office of the inspector general
Hon. Balogun Yakub of police. The Bill governs the
Abiodun (APC: Lagos) distribution, storage, importation
and manufacture of firecrackers,
fireworks and other forms of
pyrotechnic devices.

It further prescribes that persons

who import or manufacture or store
firecrackers should take appropriate
measures to prevent fire, explosions,
protect persons from the effects of
fire or explosion and shall not allow
persons below the age of 18 years
into the factory or warehouse where
they are stored.

This bill has been consolidated with

HB 379, HB 498 and HB 552.

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D. FIRST READING

S/No. Bill No./Title/ Sponsor Objective Highlights

HB 149: A Bill for an The objective of the
Act to Amend the Bill is to amend the
Armed Forces Act Armed Forces Act
2004 to Provide for the 2004 to provide for
Appointment of the the appointment of
Chief of Defence Staff. the Chief of Defence
Staff and service chiefs
Hon. Edward Gyang only within the officer
Pwajok (APC: Plateau) corps of the respective
services.
This amendment is to the effect
that the appointment of the Chief
of Defence Staff by the President
will be from among officers of
any of the three services (Army,
Navy and Air Force) subject to
the confirmation of the National
Assembly.
Also, it stipulates that
appointment of Service Chiefs
shall be made within the officer’s
corps of their respective services.

HB 527: A Bill for an Act
to make provisions for
the Retirement Age of
Officers and Men of the
Nigerian Armed Forces
and for related matters
Hon. Hassan Saleh (APC:
Benue)
The Bill seeks to
make provisions for
the retirement age of
Officers of the Nigerian
Armed Forces
The Bill seeks to require a
mandatory retirement age of 65
years for officers of the armed
forces. It further adds that the
public service rules requiring a
compulsory retirement age of 60
years or 35 years of pensionable
service not be applied to Officers
of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

HB 802: A Bill for an The objective of the This Bill states that the compulsory
Act to Amend the Bill is to amend the retirement age of officers shall
Armed Forces Act, Armed Forces Act be 65 years or 40 years of
Cap A20 Laws of the to provide for the pensionable service whichever is
Federation of Nigeria retirement age of earlier.
2004 to Provide for Officers of the Nigerian
the Retirement Age of Armed Forces.
Officers of the Nigerian
Armed Forces and for
Related Matters.

Hon. Hassan Saleh (APC:

Benue)

HB 667: A Bill for an Act The Bill seeks to The Bill would amend Section 2 of
to Amend the Armed amend the Armed the Principal Act to provide that
Forces Comfort Fund Forces Comfort Fund the Comfort funds be also used
Act, 2004 to expand the by expanding the for addressing or suppressing civil
Application of the Fund application of the fund unrest.
to Civil Unrest, and for to civil unrest.
Other related matters.

Hon. Rufai Ahmed

Chanchangi (APC:
Kaduna)

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S/No. Bill No./Title/ Sponsor Objective Highlights
HB 817: A Bill for an The Bill seeks to It seeks to establish the Nigerian
Act to Repeal the repeal the Police Act Police Service to replace the
Police Act Cap P19 LFN Cap P19 LFN 2004 Nigerian Police Force as created
2004 and Enact the and enact the Nigeria under section 214 of the 1999
Nigeria Police Service Police Service Act Constitution (as amended).
Act 2016 to Provide 2016 to provide for
for the Cooperation the cooperation and It makes new and exhaustive
and Partnership partnership between provisions on the duties of
between the Police and the Police and host the Nigerian Police Service,
Host Communities in communities in establishes the Nigerian Police
Maintaining Peace and maintaining peace and Council and the hierarchy of the
Combating Crime. combatting crime. Police. Also, it provides for the
appointment of the Inspector
Hon. Emmanuel Yisa General of Police, Deputy
Orker-Jev (APC: Benue) Inspector General of police
and their respective duties. It
caters for the re-engagement of
non-commissioned officers or
constables; creates the Police
Reward Fund and establishes
the Traffic Warden Service. It
further establishes community
police forums, divisional
community police boards and
state community police boards for
effective and efficient community
policing.

Bill consolidated with HB 11, HB

179, and HB 312

HB 1037: A Bill for The Bill seeks to This Bill amends Section 2
an Act to Amend the amend the Nigerian of the Armed Forces Act to
Nigerian Armed Forces Armed Forces Act to include the Corps of Nigerian
Act, 2004 to include include members of Commissionaires (CNC),
the Corps of Nigerian the Corps of Nigerian officers, warrant officers, non
Commissionaires as Commissionaires. commissioned officers, soldiers,
Reserves to the Nigerian ratings, and aircraftsmen as
Army members of Armed Forces
RESERVES.
Hon. Abdulrahman
Shuaibu Abubakar (APC:
Adamawa)

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S/No. Bill No./Title/ Sponsor Objective Highlights
HB 674: A Bill for an The Bill provides for The Bill domesticates the Protocol
Act to Provide for the enforcement of the against the illicit manufacturing
the Enforcement in Protocol against the and trafficking of firearms, their
the Federal Republic illicit manufacturing parts and components as well
of Nigeria, of the and trafficking of as ammunition supplementing
Protocol Against the firearms, their parts the United Nations Convention
Illicit Manufacturing and components as Against Transnational organized
and Trafficking of well as ammunition crime.
Firearms, their Parts supplementing
and Components as the United Nations The purpose of the protocol is to
well as Ammunition Convention Against promote, facilitate and strengthen
Supplementing Transnational cooperation between state
the United Nations organized crime in parties in order to address illicit
Convention Against Nigeria. manufacturing and trafficking of
Transnational organized arms.
crime in Nigeria and for
Related Matters

Hon. Emmanuel Yisa

Orker-Jev (APC: Benue)

HB 179: A Bill to Alter The Bill seeks to The new subsection would
Section 124 of the amend section 124 ensure that male Police Officers
Police Act, 2004 and of the Police Act, apply for permission from the
for matters connected 2004 by inserting a Commissioner Police of his State
thereto new subsection (2) Command to get married - just
to provide for male like their female counterparts.
Hon. Joan Mrakpor (PDP: police officers, to get
Delta) written permission This is aimed at extending the
before marriage in existing rule requiring that
light of upsurge of female police officers get written
violent crimes involving permission from the force before
women. getting married to male police
officers.

Consolidated with HB 11, HB 817,

and HB 312 on 11/10/16

HB 11: A Bill for an Act
to Amend the Police Act
Cap P19 Laws of the
Federation of Nigeria
2004 by Transferring the
Prosecutorial Right of
the Police Officer to the
Ministry of Justice and
for Related Matters
Hon. Abonta Uzoma
Nkem (PDP: Abia)
The Bills seeks to The Bill includes the Attorney-
amend the Police General and Minister of Justice
Act Cap P19 LFN as members of the Nigeria Police
2004 by appointing Council. It also restricts criminal
a divisional attorney prosecution to be undertaken by
for every Police office only qualified legal practitioners
for efficient criminal in the Police. It further prescribes
prosecution. that a divisional attorney be
seconded from the Ministry of
Justice be designated to every
police division to handle criminal
prosecution for the division.

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S/No. Bill No./Title/ Sponsor
HB 902:
A Bill to Establish the
Nigerian Security Forces
Tax Fund for Providing
Extra Funding for the
Nigerian Police and
the Security and Civil
Defence Corps, and for
Related Matters
Hon. Jacobson Nbina
(PDP:Rivers)
Objective
The Bill seeks to
establish the Nigeria
Security Forces Tax
Fund to provide
extra funding for the
Nigerian Police and
the Security and Civil
Defence Corps.
Highlights
Bill provides for an Annual
Nigerian Security Tax that will
be accessed, collected and
administered in accordance with
the Bill’s provisions-clause 1(1).
According to the Bill, the tax rate
shall be 0.2% on every accessible
profit of every company registered
in Nigeria as determined by the
Companies Income Tax Act or
Petroleum Profits Tax Act-clause
1(3). It also provides for the
Federal Inland Revenue Services
to collect the tax –clause 2(1).

A Board of Trustees composed

of a chairman and 10 other
people shall manage the Nigerian
Security Tax Fund- clause 3(1) and
4(1). Some of the duties of the
Board include the administration
of the tax imposed by the Bill for
the funding of the Nigeria Police
& Security and Civil Defence
Corps- clause 7(a) and (b).
HB 411: A Bill for an Act The objective of The Bill outlines the functions
to Amend the Armed the Bill is to provide of the Armed Forces Reserve to
Forces Act Cap A20 Laws specific duties for the include maintenance of peace and
of the Federation of Armed Forces Reserve order, protection and assistance
Nigeria 2004, to Among to enable them serve in rescuing civilian populations
Other Things Provide For as a rapid response during the period of emergency in
Specific Duties for the mechanism with collaboration with other relevant
Armed Forces Reserve capacity to intervene security agencies; to also recruit
in Order to Serve as in emergency and and train able people in counter
a Rapid Response internal security where terrorism, rioting, climate and
Mechanism with the Nigerian Police is other natural disasters; serve as
Capacity to Intervene in overwhelmed. a rapid response unit for counter
Emergency and Internal terrorism, rescue mission on
Security where the climate and other natural disaster
Nigerian Police were on the President’s directive; and
Overwhelmed and for undertake such national and
Related Matters international assignments related
to national security as may be
directed by the President.
Hon. Muhammad Sani
Abdu (APC: Bauchi) It also provides that the Chief
of Defence Staff in consultation
with other Service Chiefs make
regulations governing the pay,
duties and methods of recall of
members of the Armed Forces
Reserve.

Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) is a Non-Governmental Organisation Promoting Good Governance and Citizen’s Access in Nigeria

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S/No. Bill No./Title/ Sponsor
HB 688: A Bill to
Amend the Firearms Act
Cap. F.28, Laws of the
Federation of Nigeria,
2004 to review the age
limit of a person who can
hold a firearm license or
permit, increase some
penalties; and for related
matters
Hon. Hembe Iorwase
(APC: Benue)
HB 312: A Bill for an Act
to Amend the Police Act,
2004 and for related
matters
Hon. Linda Ikpeazu (PDP:
Anambra)
Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) is a Non-Governmental Organisation Promoting Good Governance and Citizen’s Access in Nigeria
Objective
The Bill seeks to
amend the Firearms
Act Cap F.28, Laws
of the Federation
of Nigeria, 2004 to
review the age limit
of persons who can
hold firearm licenses or
permits and increase
some penalties.
The Bill seeks to
amend the Police
Act, 2004, to review
the recruitment Age
of Traffic Wardens,
including the mental
element in certain
offences and providing
for stiffer penalties for
non-compliance with
the the existent Act.
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Highlights
The Bill proposes several
amendments to the Firearms Act
Cap, 28 Laws of the Federation
of Nigeria to bring the Act in light
with modern day reality.
For instance, it proposes to
amend section 3 so that the
President grants licenses for
prohibited articles directly or
on his authority. Under extant
provisions, only the President can
only grant prohibited articles.
It also proposes to amend section
6(2)(a) to prevent the issuance
of licenses of firearms to any
person that is believed to be
under the age of 21. This will be
an increase in age from extant
provisions that has a minimum
age 17 years. It also prevents the
issuance of a license where there
is a reason to believe that the
applicant has been convicted of
an offence involving violence and
kidnapping or has been convicted
of an offence involving drugs
or use of drugs. There are also
amendments seeking to increase
penalties for erring offenders.
The Act provides that appointed
Traffic wardens should not be
less than 19 years old nor more
than 21 years old. This bill seeks
to extend the maximum age to
25 years. It also changes the
minimum educational qualification
from Primary 6 education
to School Certificate or its
equivalent.
The Bill also seeks to increase
the fine for offences and terms of
imprisonment in various sections
of the Act.
S/No. Bill No./Title/ Sponsor Objective Highlights
HB 1080: The Bill seeks to Clause 1 of the Bill establishes
A Bill to Establish establish the Nigerian a Nigerian Security System
Nigerian Security Security Systems Surveillance Regulatory
Systems Surveillance Surveillance Regulatory Commission. Some of the powers
Regulatory Commission Commission with of the Commission under the
to Regulate the powers to regulate the Bill include the installation,
Installation, Operation installation, operation operation of surveillance systems,
and Management of and management of advising Federal, State and
Surveillance Camera surveillance camera Local governments on standard
Systems in Public Places systems. specifications on surveillance
camera systems and compiling,
publishing and sharing data
generated from the performance
Hon. Chike John Okafor of its functions under this Bill -
(APC:Imo) clause 5.

There is also a Governing Council

composed of a Chairman and
four other persons in this Bill
who among others, has power
to enter into agreement with
pubic or private organizations
& individuals to utilize and
share information and data as
determined to be appropriate for
the performance of its functions
under the Bill- clause 7. The funds
of the Commission shall include
foreign aid and assistance and
bilateral subventions and extra-
budgetary allocations from the
Federal Government-clause 13.

Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) is a Non-Governmental Organisation Promoting Good Governance and Citizen’s Access in Nigeria

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S/No. Bill No./Title/ Sponsor Objective Highlights
HB 853: Bill seeks to repeal The Bill seeks to repeal the
A Bill to Repeal the the DICON Act and Defence Industry Corporation Act
Defence Industries establish a National 1964 in clause 1(1) and establishes
Corporation (DICON) Defence Research instead a National Defence
Act and Enact a National and Development Research and Development
Defence Research Centre to coordinate Centre (NDRDC) in clause 1(2).
and Development research, development
Centre to Coordinate and deployment Some of the functions of the
Research, Development of advanced NDRCL would include the
and Deployment of military hardware monitoring of advancement of
Advanced Military & technologies for defence technology capabilities
Hardware and defence and other in other countries with a view
Technologies for Defence related purposes. of adopting such technologies
and for Related Matters in the Nigerian armed forces.
The Centre is also responsible
Hon. Aminu Ashiru Mani for the training, development
(APC:Katsina) of manpower and ensuring
the maintenance of a higher
percentage of local content in
the development of defence
technology and provision of
financial and material assistance to
institutions- clause 8.

A Director General who has

a background in Defence
Technology or any branch of
the armed forces or a related
discipline- shall head the Centre-
clause 12.

Proposed funds of the Centre

include 1% of all profit after tax of
all shipping companies operating
in Nigeria, internally generated
revenue and contributions from
private universities operating in
Nigeria-clause 15.

The Centre may also accept

gifts and grants from national
and multilateral organizations
on conditions agreed by the
Centre and the donor provided
that it is not inconsistent with
the objectives and funds of the
Centre-clause 16.

Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) is a Non-Governmental Organisation Promoting Good Governance and Citizen’s Access in Nigeria

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 Notes

Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) is a Non-Governmental Organisation Promoting Good Governance and Citizen’s Access in Nigeria

| 18 |
 Notes

Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) is a Non-Governmental Organisation Promoting Good Governance and Citizen’s Access in Nigeria

| 19 |
 Plot 1059 Adamu Aliero Crescent, off Edwin Clark Crescent, Guzape District,
Abuja
Website: www.placng.org *Email: info@placng.org *Phone: 08091899999

About PLAC

Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) is a non-governmental organization

committed to strengthening democratic governance and citizens’ participation in
Nigeria. PLAC works to enhance citizens’ engagement with state institutions, and to
promote transparency and accountability in policy and decision-making processes.

The main focus of PLAC’s intervention in the democratic governance process is on

building the capacity of the legislature and reforming the electoral process. Since its
establishment, PLAC has grown into a leading institution with capacity to deliver
cutting-edge research, policy analysis and advocacy. PLAC receives funding support
from donors and other philanthropic sources.

Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) is a Non-Governmental Organisation Promoting Good Governance and Citizen’s Access in Nigeria