Private Security Companies Gain Official Approval by Numbering 28 in Expansion

Private Security Companies Gain Official Approval by Numbering 28 in Expansion

Nigeria's Security Landscape Shifts with Integration of Private Guard Companies

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the nation's security by formally integrating private security guard companies into the national security framework. This move, demonstrated by the recent issuance of operating licenses to 28 private security firms, aims to foster collaboration between private security operators and official security agencies for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and protection of lives and property across Nigeria.

During the licence presentation at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, was represented by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Technical Services, Zakari Ningi. Audi addressed the National Executives of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN) and the newly licensed CEOs, describing the security landscape as complex and noting that the CEOs are ex-servicemen whose experience can provide valuable intelligence.

The licensing and regulation of these private security companies was carried out after thorough scrutiny to ensure that only qualified firms operate, maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity. The NSCDC emphasized that these companies will be regularly assessed and rated based on compliance with regulatory requirements, with continued collaboration and license renewal tied to performance.

Many of the licensed private security company CEOs are ex-service members whose experience is expected to provide valuable intelligence inputs and improve overall security effectiveness. This initiative reflects a government strategy to foster collective responsibility for security, combining efforts of public security agencies and private security firms to address Nigeria’s complex security challenges more comprehensively.

Dr. Chris Adigwu, the President of ALPSPN, congratulated the new licensees and reiterated the need for effective collaboration in supporting Nigeria's security infrastructure. Dr. Felix Obazee, the National Vice President of ALPSPN, also extended his congratulations. Chris Ezuma, CEO of Zumac and Associates Limited, commended the Corps for the transparent and professional licensing process and pledged the full cooperation of the new entrants.

The licence issuance coincided with the launch of a Unified Training Curriculum for all licensed private security companies nationwide. Audi charged the private guard companies to uphold integrity, professionalism, and commitment to build a safe nation for investors and technological advancement. Barrister Emmanuel Akisa, the NSCDC Director of Legal Services, was present during the licence presentation.

ACG Peter Maigari, the Assistant Commandant General in charge of the Private Guard Companies Department, stated that the process of granting the licences was "rigorous and tedious." Audi described the licences as strategic tools for national security enhancement, and future relationships with the Corps will be based on performance.

The integration of private security guard companies into the national security framework is a significant step towards expanding Nigeria’s security capacity, promoting prompt intelligence sharing, and enhancing the protection of citizens and infrastructure. This initiative complements other nationwide security efforts aimed at tackling insecurity through partnerships and resource mobilization. Ezuma stated that the newly licensed private guard companies understand the enormous responsibility that comes with their licence and will partner with the NSCDC to deliver credible intelligence and manpower in the interest of internal security.

1. The newly licensed CEOs of the integrated private security companies, who are ex-service members, are anticipated to offer valuable intelligence, improving overall security effectiveness in Nigeria.
2. The Nigerian government continues to seek comprehensive solutions for security challenges, as evidenced by the integration of private security firms into the national security framework, extending collaboration beyond public agencies.
3. In an effort to expand security capacity and enhance protection for citizens and infrastructure, the Senate in Abuja, through the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has embraced the involvement of private finance and businesses by licensing 28 security firms, focusing on professionalism, integrity, and performance.

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