Parliament has passed the Security and Intelligence Agencies Bill, 2025, which, once assented to, will repeal and replace the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2020 (Act 1030). A key feature of the new law is the reversion of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to its former name, the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).

Key Updates:

• • Reversion to BNI: The internal intelligence agency will once again be known as the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), replacing the current NIB designation.

• • Restructuring of the Security Architecture: The Act establishes a more defined national security framework, including the National Security Council, regional and district security councils, and the Office of the National Security Co-ordinator.

• • Strengthened Coordination Role: The National Security Co-ordinator is given expanded powers to coordinate intelligence gathering, policy implementation, and collaboration among security agencies.

• • Functions of Intelligence Agencies Clarified: The law clearly sets out the functions of internal and external intelligence agencies, including intelligence gathering, threat prevention, and protection of national security interests.

• • Oversight and Accountability Mechanisms: The Act introduces complaint procedures and tribunal processes for addressing grievances against intelligence agencies, enhancing accountability within the sector.