Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS has called for enhanced legislative oversight of private security companies in Nigeria.
He made this call at the opening of a workshop on Private Security Governance and Legislative Oversight in Nigeria, organized by NILDS in collaboration with the African Law Foundation AFRILAW, and the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance, DCAF. The workshop was designed for chairmen and clerks of security-related committees of the National Assembly.
Prof. Sulaiman emphasized the growing significance of the private security sector in augmenting public security and safeguarding lives and property. He noted that the industry has expanded rapidly, with over 1,500 registered companies providing a range of services beyond traditional guarding, including private surveillance and investigative operations.
While acknowledging the sector’s potential to enhance national security and create employment opportunities, he highlighted the governance challenges that come with its expansion. According to him, these challenges necessitate stronger legislative oversight to ensure effective regulation.
“With the evolving security landscape marked by insurgency, banditry, cyber threats, and transnational crimes, it is imperative to strengthen governance and oversight of private security operations,” Sulaiman stated.
He underscored the critical role of legislators in enacting laws and providing oversight to ensure private security firms operate within legal frameworks, adhere to international best practices, and complement state security agencies.
He further called for an urgent review of the Private Guard Companies Act, 1986, describing it as outdated and inadequate for addressing the contemporary security environment. He stressed that the workshop would serve as a platform to explore international best practices and legislative interventions aimed at improving the effectiveness, accountability, and professionalism of Nigeria’s private security sector.
