By CHIOMA Iwueke
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has presented operational licences to 28 newly approved private security guard companies as part of its commitment to improving national security and regulating the private security industry.
At a licensing ceremony held in Abuja, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi—represented by the Deputy Commandant General of Technical Services, DCG Zakari Ibrahim Ningi (fdc) emphasized that private security outfits play a critical role in the nation’s security architecture. He stated that the business of enhancing effective security across the nation is a collective responsibility that calls for prompt and timely intelligence gathering.
He noted that most of the CEOs of the private guard companies are ex-servicemen. According to him, their wealth of experience would stimulate and provide credible intelligence that will enhance national security.
“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,” he said.
The Commandant General explained that although the licences may bring business profits, they are also an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national security. He stated that the companies would be assessed and rated based on their adherence to regulatory requirements, adding that future relationships with the Corps, including licence renewals, would depend on their performance.
He further stated that the licences are being issued at a time when the Unified Training Curriculum has been launched—ensuring that guards receive the same training regardless of their location in Nigeria.
While congratulating the newly licensed companies, he urged them to uphold the qualities of integrity, impeccable character, and trustworthiness—traits considered essential before licence approval.
In a welcome address, the Assistant Commandant General (ACG) in charge of the Private Guard Companies Department, ACG Peter Maigari (fsi), described the licensing process as rigorous and reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to professionalism.
Also, in their separate goodwill messages, the NSCDC Director of Legal Services, Barr. Emmanuel Akisa; the President of ALPSPN, Dr. Chris Adigwu; and the National Vice President, Dr. Felix Obazee, congratulated the newly licensed Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). They expressed optimism that this step would significantly improve internal security in the country—a view echoed by the CEO of Zumac and Associates Limited.
