The National Assembly Complex in Abuja has implemented reinforced security measures around the Senate Chamber, its gangway, and the main corridor. An internal memo, obtained by SaharaReporters and dated October 2, outlines these new restrictions. Addressed to the Chairman of Senate Services and signed by Brig-Gen Etido E Ekpo (retd), the memo specifies that the long corridor situated in front of the Senate President's office, extending from the White House lobby, will now be exclusively accessible to Senators and Members of the House of Representatives.

Crucially, the memo states, "All aides or personal assistants would not be allowed into the said corridor," and requests lawmakers to disseminate this information to their staff. Titled "notification of reinforced security measures around the senate chamber, the gangway and the corridor" with reference NASS/SAA/381/S.34, Brig-Gen Ekpo explained that these stringent measures are designed to ensure a secure and safe environment conducive for legislative duties.

These reinforced security protocols come amid recent controversies, including a significant incident reported by SaharaReporters days prior. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of operating the National Assembly like a "dictatorship" and treating her as if she were his "domestic staff." These remarks were made to journalists in Abuja immediately after she regained access to her office.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's office, Room 205 in the Senate wing, had been sealed for six months following a contentious suspension by the Senate leadership. Security personnel and the Serjeant-at-Arms formally unsealed it, allowing her to resume her duties. She described her prolonged ordeal as a crucial "test of resilience against injustice," highlighting the heightened tensions within the legislative body that may have contributed to the necessity of updated security measures.