The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has issued operating licences to 28 newly registered private guard companies, with a charge to intensify intelligence gathering to help stem the tide of insecurity across the country.
According to a statement signed by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale, the presentation was held at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.
This, Babawale said, aligns with the Corps’ statutory duties under the NSCDC Establishment Act of 2003, amended in 2007.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi, represented by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Technical Services, Zakari Ningi, presented the licences and 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 increasingly complex, Audi said: “We are acquainted with the fact that most of the Chief Executive Officers of the private guard companies are ex-servicemen whose wealth of experience would stimulate and provide credible intelligence needed to enhance adequate security.”
He added, “Premised on this, you are therefore charged to uphold the integrity and standards of professionalism and commitment so that together we can build a nation safe for investors and habitable for technological advancement across board.”
Audi emphasised that the licences are not merely for commercial purposes, but strategic tools for national security enhancement.
“Be assured that your companies will be assessed and rated based on adherence to regulatory requirements. Therefore, future relationships with the Corps, including renewal of your licenses, shall be based on your performance,” he stated.
The CG also disclosed that the licence issuance coincided with the launch of a Unified Training Curriculum for all licensed private security companies nationwide, with the aim of ensuring standardised training practices across the board.
He urged the recipients to maintain “the values of integrity, impeccable character and trustworthiness” which qualified them for licensing in the first place.
In his welcome remarks, Assistant Commandant General in charge of the Private Guard Companies Department, ACG Peter Maigari, said the process of granting the licences was “rigorous and tedious,” reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to professionalism and national security.
He warned that only companies that maintain operational standards would retain their licences going forward.
The NSCDC Director of Legal Services, Barrister Emmanuel Akisa; President of ALPSPN, Dr. Chris Adigwu; and National Vice President, Dr. Felix Obazee, all congratulated the new licensees and reiterated the need for effective collaboration in supporting Nigeria’s security infrastructure.
Adigwu described the licences as a “mark of trust and responsibility,” urging CEOs to rise to the expectations of the Corps and the public.
Speaking on behalf of the newly licensed private guard companies, Chris Ezuma, CEO of Zumac and Associates Limited, commended the Corps for the transparent and professional licensing process.
He pledged the full cooperation of the new entrants, stating, “We understand the enormous responsibility that comes with this licence. We will partner with the NSCDC to deliver credible intelligence and manpower in the interest of internal security.”