The Nigerian Senate has received a major new bill sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko that seeks to regulate private security companies and formally integrate them into the country’s overall security framework.
The proposed law, 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, is designed to support the military and strengthen national defence amid Nigeria’s growing security concerns.
Under the bill, a new regulatory body called the Nigerian Private Security Companies Registration Council would be established. This council would oversee the licensing, operations, and general conduct of all private security firms in the country.
The council would function as a corporate entity with perpetual succession, the ability to sue and be sued, and the authority to own and manage property. Situated under the presidency, it would serve as the central body supervising private security activities nationwide.
According to the bill, the National Security Adviser would chair the council. Other members would include the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, who would act as secretary. Six additional members representing Nigeria’s geopolitical zones each with at least 15 years of experience in security, military affairs, or international humanitarian law would also be appointed. Presidential appointees would serve four-year terms, renewable once, and any vacancies must be filled within two months.
The bill sets out key objectives: defining the roles private security firms may play; outlining transparent procedures for their selection and regulation; easing the burden on regular security agencies; improving public accountability; and ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law. The president would also be able to specify further objectives when necessary.
The council would have broad powers, including issuing, renewing, or revoking licences; keeping a national register of private security companies; setting operational and licensing standards; establishing rules for weapons use; approving training requirements; and assessing the financial capacity of applicants. All major decisions would require presidential approval, and the council must submit quarterly reports to both the president and the National Assembly.
A secretariat staffed by public officers would support the council, with the Defence Ministry’s Permanent Secretary overseeing its daily operations. Staff pay and disciplinary actions would follow existing public service regulations.
The bill also details the council’s funding structure, including allocations from the National Assembly, licence fees, and other income. Its accounts must be audited annually, with full reports submitted to the president by March 31 each year.
One of the bill’s most consequential provisions makes it a criminal offence to run a private security or military-style outfit without a licence. Individuals convicted would face life imprisonment, while companies would be dissolved and their directors similarly punished. Only organisations registered under the Companies and Allied Matters Act would qualify for licences, and all related offences would fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.
Senator Nwoko said the bill aims to bring order, professionalism, and accountability to Nigeria’s expanding private security industry, which he believes can greatly assist the armed forces and improve public safety if properly regulated. If passed, the law will be known as the Private Security Registration Act, 2024.
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