The Nigerian government has announced plans to review and update the Private Security Companies Act of 1986 to reflect current security challenges and global best practices. This commitment was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the 5th Private Security Industry Summit and the 9th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN) in Abuja.

The minister emphasized the crucial role of private security companies (PGCs) in enhancing national security through effective intelligence gathering. He noted that PGCs are essential not only for security purposes but also for collecting credible and factual intelligence. The government aims to ensure that private security companies in Nigeria are internationally competitive, professionally managed, and staffed with trustworthy and well-trained officers.

A stronger and more coordinated private security industry is vital to improving the country’s overall security landscape, according to the minister. The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, commended the timeliness of the summit and reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to working closely with ALPSPN to enhance security collaboration nationwide.

The President of ALPSPN, Dr. Chris Adigwu, stated that the summit provides an opportunity to identify gaps and chart a path toward a coordinated and resilient private security architecture that complements national security objectives. The event brought together key stakeholders in Nigeria’s security sector, including representatives from government agencies, private security companies, and industry experts.

The review of the Private Security Companies Act is expected to address the emerging security challenges facing the country and align the industry with international best practices. The government’s commitment to strengthening the private security industry is seen as a crucial step toward improving the overall security situation in Nigeria. With the increasing demand for private security services, the updated Act is expected to provide a framework for the industry to operate effectively and efficiently. The outcome of the review process is anticipated to have a significant impact on the country’s security landscape, and stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the implementation of the new regulations.