I am sure many of you wonder what it is like to visit the
National Assembly. Before I started working at PREMIUM
TIMES, I never thought I would have any cause to visit the
National Assembly, let alone know what the inside might
look like. I envisioned it to be a tall building where anyone
could walk in without harassment or protocols; more like
a regular office environment. But that was not the case.
After I had a cause to visit the National Assembly
occasionally, I realised the very many protocols that goes
on there. If I knew the protocols, I would have saved
myself a lot of trouble. So these are five tips you should
know before visiting the National Assembly.

1. Dress code: This aspect is very important so you need to
take note. When going to the National Assembly, make
sure your outfit is not sleeveless or even half an inch
above your knee. Yes I said half an inch above your knee!
The security guards do not want to see your knee cap in
any way, when approaching them. I have been sent back a
few times myself. Two weeks ago, I wore a pair of three
quarter pants and a long sleeve shirt, all tucked in. In my
head I thought I looked descent and corporate but I was
wrong. I got turned back when I got to the entrance.
Although there is no formal dress code to gain entry into
the National Assembly, you can even wear jeans all week
if you want to but make sure they reach your ankle. Make
sure your shirts and dresses have sleeves and are ‘decent’
to avoid the stress of being asked to go home to change.

2. Invitation: Always ensure you call whomever you want
to visit first before going to the National Assembly
complex. You can’t play peek-a-boo or surprise visits in
NASS because you need the person’s consent before you
are allowed in. The individual you want to see has to send
a message to the security guards at the gate to give you a
tag or else you would be denied entry. Only NASS staff
and journalists get to have ID cards. You are also expected
to know where exactly you are going because the passes
are restricted.

3. No taking of pictures: This is solely for professional
photographers and tourists. NASS is not exactly a tourist
friendly place. You are not allowed to bring out a huge
camera to take pictures. They have accredited
professional photographers. You would be stopped by the
security. The only place I see people really taking pictures
are outside the building. Even as a NASS correspondent, I
was told to specifically add photography to my job
description letter and submit because I was not accredited
to take pictures. So if you are just visiting, take note of
this.

4. Painted Taxis not allowed: Whenever you want to go to
NASS, avoid the painted taxis because you will be stopped
by the police officers at the gate and asked to turn
around. No amount of begging would get you in.
Sometimes, unpainted taxis are harassed as well but that
is rarely the case. Sincerely, to avoid odd questions, try all
means to use a personal car. Even if you get dropped off
at the gate, you would have to join the long queue for a
shuttle bus which usually takes a while. In this case,
patience is the key.

5. Car park: There are two entrances into NASS. They let
everyone who wants to drive in through the first gate but
the second gate is a no go area for visitors. The second
gate is only for a few staff and journalists who have a
licence to access that area. As a visitor, you would be
diverted to a car park close to the second gate. Ladies, flat
shoes are advisable to wear to NASS because it’s a long
walk to the main building. Lord help you if the sun is
scorching hot because it’s a long walk from the second
gate to the main building. You can do it my way. Suck it
up, plug in your earphone, wear your flat shoes, ignore
the sun and keep walking. You would not even know when
you get to your destination. Well, it works for me.
These are a few tips I thought you should know before
visiting the National Assembly to avoid stress and time
wasting. If I knew this before I went to NASS, I won’t have
been sent home the number of times I did. Thank me
later!


http://www.premiumtimesng.com/arts-entertainment/170816-five-important-things-to-note-before-visiting-nigerias-national-assembly.html

Ok.

Not surprised at all.

The building houses our law makers,therefore security measures should be the top priority..

Nice tip.

What a protocoles! Nawao.so if you don't have a direct contact with the person you want to visit noway4u.

I'll go dere one of these days.tnx

Noted....

Its not really supposed to be so on a normal basis but the growing level of insecurity has caused this and knowing how over zealous our security outfits are they will take it too far. It is difficult before you see them being professional especially the police. I understand the fact that the presidential villa should be like this but not the national assembly afterall they don't live there. In Ghana for instance, their national assembly is like a tourist center, people even learn how to drive in the premises but yet you can still see orderliness there, they don't mis
use the opportunity but thesame can't be said if Nigerians are allowed free access in there. Just look at the recently passed FOI law, Nigerians are already abusing it badly and this is one of the reasons why it took time to pass. I hope oue mentality in this country will change for the positive cos if it does, a lot of things will be going well for us.