BREAKING NEWS: CHIMA OBIEZE PROPOSES CROWD CONTROL AGENCY BILL TO PREVENT STAMPEDES

The Honourable Member representing Ezeagu State Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Chima Obieze, has submitted a bill to the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly seeking the establishment of a legal framework for the effective control and management of crowds at events across the state.

The proposed legislation, titled “State Crowd Control and Management Agency Bill, 2026,” is aimed at preventing avoidable loss of lives and property arising from stampedes, overcrowding, asphyxiation and other forms of disorder at public gatherings.

According to the proposed bill, the legislation will regulate crowd management at a wide range of events, including religious, festive, educational, social, sporting, musical, political and philanthropic gatherings.

The bill defines a “Gathering” as an event involving fewer than 100 persons, while a “Large Gathering” refers to an event involving more than 100 persons.

Organisers to Bear Primary Safety Responsibility

A major provision of the proposed legislation places the primary responsibility for crowd safety on event organisers.

Under the bill, organisers would be required to liaise with the proposed Agency and engage qualified professionals for the construction and installation of stages, electrical systems, barricades and other event infrastructure.

Organisers would also be expected to consider factors such as age, health, gender, literacy, culture and religion, as well as crowd density, in planning events to prevent dangerous overcrowding.

The proposed law further requires adequate arrangements for venue safety, security, fire prevention, road safety, parking and disease-control measures.

Special provisions are also expected to be made for children, women, elderly persons, sick persons and persons living with disabilities.

For charitable and philanthropic events involving the distribution of items or materials to members of the public, organisers would be required to obtain the necessary permit and provide adequate security arrangements to prevent stampedes and other emergencies.

Proposed Penalties for Violations

The bill proposes sanctions for individuals or organisations that violate its provisions, including a fine ranging from N500,000 to N1 million, imprisonment for six months, or both.

Proposed Enugu State Crowd Control and Management Agency

Part Three of the bill proposes the establishment of the Enugu State Crowd Control and Management Agency as a corporate body with the capacity to sue and be sued.

The proposed Agency would be responsible for monitoring and enforcing crowd-management standards, as well as issuing regulations and guidelines for safe event organisation across the state.

Its governing structure would comprise a Chairperson, Executive Secretary and five experienced members, to be appointed by the Governor for a four-year term, renewable once.

The proposed board would also include ex-officio representatives from relevant government institutions, including the Ministries of Justice, Commerce, Environment, Health, Works and Physical Planning, as well as ESWAMA, SEMA, Fire Service, Sports authorities and the Commissioner of Police.

The Agency would have the power to make regulations necessary for effective crowd control, while obstruction of its official duties would attract a proposed N500,000 fine or three months imprisonment.

From Reaction to Prevention

The proposed legislation represents an attempt to shift Enugu State's approach to crowd-related emergencies from reactive response to proactive prevention.

Beyond protecting lives and property, the bill is also expected to create opportunities for qualified safety, security, emergency-management and event-management professionals while providing a modern legal framework for the organisation of public events in the state.

The bill has been submitted to the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly for consideration and scheduling.

Rt. Hon. Barr. Chima Obieze, who represents Ezeagu State Constituency, said the initiative is designed to strengthen public safety and ensure that gatherings across Enugu State are conducted in a manner that prioritises the protection of human lives.

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