On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, a significant disturbance occurred at Nigeria’s National Assembly when security agents barred journalists from entering the complex. The officers, including the Sergeant-at-Arms and police personnel, cited “orders from above” and refused entry to anyone without a permanent accreditation card. This decision left many accredited reporters stranded, as the National Assembly’s Information Department had not yet issued permanent IDs.
Attempts by journalists carrying temporary identification and clearance to negotiate access were unsuccessful. The situation escalated when security personnel verbally harassed and physically assaulted several journalists. Mudashiru Atanda of The Sun sustained injuries, while Nicolas Kalu of The Nation and Gloria Essien of the Voice of Nigeria were roughly pushed aside when they intervened. Additionally, Tolu Akinyemi of SuperScreen Television had her smartphone confiscated by a security operative, who warned she might never retrieve it.
In response to inquiries, the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly denied issuing any directive to restrict journalists’ access. This incident highlights growing concerns over press freedom and transparency within Nigeria’s legislative processes.
