A bill for an Act to amend the Flag and Coat of Arms Act to regulate the display and use of national flags has passed a second reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill which was sponsored by Rep. Sada Soli (APC-Katsina) sought to increase the fine for offenders from N100 to N100,000, and increase the number of organizations that could arrest any person for abuse or misuse of the flag.

The legislator said section 8 of the bill sought to empower the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and para-military organizations to seize or remove any flag seen to be abused against only the Police.

In his ruling, the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu referred the bill to the relevant committee for further legislative action.