OSAS EMMANUEL
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has emphasised the pivotal role of Nigeria’s private security industry in the nation’s security architecture, calling for comprehensive reforms.
Speaking at a Stakeholders Consultative Meeting in Abuja, Dr. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the imperative to modernise the regulatory framework, including the repeal and re-enactment of the Private Guards Company Act of 1986, to align with current industry standards and address contemporary security needs.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo expressed his reluctance to approve licenses, citing a lack of proposals meeting the industry’s potential, even as he stressed the need to elevate the private security sector to international standards, considering Nigeria’s large population and security challenges.
“Since I became Minister of Interior, I have not signed a single license because I have yet to see a proposal that meets my aspirations for the industry.
“The private security sector is a multi-billion-dollar industry and must earn a place of pride and respect. We do not have the boots on the ground to effectively secure 200 million people, so we must build an industry we can be proud of,” Tunji-Ojo said.
To bolster industry standards, the Minister introduced a categorization system for private security company licenses, varying by share capital and fees, with stringent requirements for each grade.
For a Grade A licence which offers national coverage, companies must have a share capital of N100 million, pay a license fee of N10 million, and an annual renewal fee of N500,000. Grade B (Zonal) requires a share capital of N50 million, a license fee of N5 million and annual renewal fee of N300,000.
Similarly, Grade C (State) has a share capital of N30 million, license fee of N3 million, and annual renewal fee of N200,000, while Grade D (City/Local Government) has a share capital of N10 million, license fee of N1 million, annual renewal fee of N100,000.
He emphasized the importance of thorough background checks and structured training for private guards, alongside fair remuneration aligned with the National Minimum Wage Act.
“Private guards cannot rely on native intelligence alone; specified courses for career progression will become mandatory,” he said.
The Minister disclosed the approval of a Guard Management System by the Federal Executive Council to oversee licensing processes and ensure industry standardization.
Speaking further, he revealed that a tripartite committee, led by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Aishetu Ndayako, was also established to develop criteria for classifying private security companies.
This committee includes three members each from the Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Association of Private Security Guards in Nigeria, with a three-week timeline to deliver their report.
Dr. Ndayako encouraged stakeholders to actively participate and share ideas that will shape the future of private security guard services in Nigeria.
In the same vein, the Commandant-General of NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, highlighted ongoing efforts to digitise the license renewal process and pledged continued collaboration with operators to enhance system efficiency.
During the interactive session, private security guard operators, led by the National President of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria, Dr. Chris Adigwu, identified industry challenges and requested the Ministry’s intervention to address these issues.
