Nigeria Announces Comprehensive Review of 1986 Private Security Legislation
In a significant move to modernize the country’s security framework, Nigeria’s Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has pledged a comprehensive review of the decades-old Private Security Companies Act of 1986.
Aligning Security Operations with Contemporary Threats
The minister made this commitment during his keynote address at the 5th Private Security Industry Summit and the 9th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN) held Wednesday in Abuja.
“We are at a time in Nigeria where private security companies are key to what we want to achieve,” stated Dr. Tunji-Ojo, emphasizing the evolving role of private security beyond traditional functions. “We don’t just need you for security, but also for gathering credible and factual intelligence.”
Strategic Partnership for National Security
The proposed legislative overhaul aims to transform Nigeria’s private security sector into a more coordinated, professionally managed industry that aligns with global standards. The minister stressed that enhancing the capabilities of private security firms is no longer optional but essential for improving the country’s overall security landscape.
“What does it take to build a private security industry that can effectively complement our national security apparatus?” the minister posed, highlighting the government’s commitment to creating internationally competitive security companies staffed by well-trained, trustworthy professionals.
Strengthening Institutional Collaboration
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant, Ahmed Audi, endorsed the summit’s timing, reaffirming his organization’s dedication to closer collaboration with ALPSPN. This partnership signals a growing recognition among government security agencies that private security companies serve as critical force multipliers in the nation’s security architecture.
Dr. Chris Adigwu, President of ALPSPN, described the summit as a pivotal opportunity to identify operational gaps and develop a roadmap toward a resilient private security framework that effectively supports national security objectives.
The gathering attracted key stakeholders from across Nigeria’s security sector, underscoring the collective determination to forge a more secure future through updated legislation and enhanced cooperation between public and private security providers.
Source: Daily Nigerian