The Nigerian Senate has received a landmark bill sponsored by the Senator representing Delta North, Senator Ned Nwoko, seeking to formalize, regulate, and integrate private security companies into the country’s broader security architecture.
The proposed legislation, titled A Bill for an Act to Make Provision for the Registration and Grant of Licence for the Use of Private Security Companies in Nigeria, aims to complement the armed forces and bolster national defence in response to Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.
At the heart of the bill is the establishment of the Nigerian Private Security Companies Registration Council, a statutory body mandated to regulate the licensing, operations, and professional conduct of private security firms nationwide.
The council, to be domiciled in the Presidency, will operate as a corporate entity with perpetual succession, powers to sue and be sued, and the authority to acquire, hold, and dispose of property. It will serve as the apex oversight and regulatory institution for all private security activities in the country.
According to the bill, the council will be chaired by the National Security Adviser, with membership drawn from key security and legal institutions, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police, Attorney General of the Federation, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, who will serve as secretary.
Six additional members, representing Nigeria’s geopolitical zones and possessing no less than fifteen years’ experience in security, military affairs, or international humanitarian law, will be appointed by the President.
Appointed members will serve a four-year renewable term, while any vacant seat must be filled within two months.
The legislation outlines broad objectives: defining the scope of services private security companies may undertake; setting transparent regulatory and selection procedures; easing the burden on traditional law enforcement agencies; enhancing public accountability within the private security sector; and ensuring compliance with international humanitarian norms.
The President retains the authority to expand these objectives when necessary.
The council will be empowered to issue, renew, or revoke operational licences; maintain a national database of private security companies; set operational and training standards; develop rules governing weapons use; and verify the financial capability of private firms seeking registration.
Major decisions of the council require presidential approval, and the council must submit quarterly reports to both the President and the National Assembly.
A dedicated secretariat, staffed by officers seconded from the public service and coordinated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, will manage the council’s day-to-day operations.
Staff remuneration and disciplinary actions will conform to public service regulations.
Financial provisions in the bill establish a statutory fund for the council, sourced from National Assembly appropriations, licence fees, and income generated from its operations.
Annual accounts must be audited by an approved firm, with audited reports submitted to the President by March 31 each year.
One of the bill’s most consequential provisions criminalizes the operation of any private security or military-styled service without a valid licence.
Individuals convicted under this section will face life imprisonment, while offending corporate entities will be dissolved and their directors subjected to the same penalty.
Only companies registered under the Companies and Allied Matters Act will be eligible for licensing, and all offences under the Act will fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.
Senator Nwoko noted that the bill seeks to introduce order, professionalism, and accountability to Nigeria’s rapidly expanding private security industry.
He stressed that when properly regulated, the sector can offer significant support to the armed forces and enhance public safety. Once enacted, the legislation will be cited as the Private Security Registration Act, 2024.
