The Nigerian Senate has received a significant new bill sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko seeking to regulate private security companies and integrate them into the nation’s 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 operations of the military and enhance national defence in response to the country’s evolving security challenges.
The bill proposes the creation of the Nigerian Private Security Companies Registration Council, a statutory body that will regulate the licensing, operations, and conduct of private security firms across the country.
The council is to be established as a corporate entity with perpetual succession, powers to sue and be sued, and the authority to own and manage property. It will be domiciled in the presidency and will serve as the central authority for oversight of private security operations.
According to the proposal, the council will be chaired by the National Security Adviser, with membership including the Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police, Attorney General of the Federation, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, who will serve as secretary, and six representatives drawn from Nigeria’s geopolitical zones with at least fifteen years of experience in security, military matters, or international humanitarian law.
Members appointed by the President will serve a four-year term, renewable once, while vacancies on the council must be filled within two months of their occurrence.
The bill outlines several core objectives: to determine the scope of services that private security companies may undertake; to establish clear procedures for their selection and regulation; to improve national security by relieving pressure on conventional law enforcement agencies; to enhance public transparency regarding private security operations; and to ensure strict compliance with international humanitarian laws. The President may also define additional objectives as needed.
The council will be responsible for issuing, renewing, and revoking operational licences; maintaining a national database of private security companies; establishing licensing and operational standards; developing guidelines for weapons use; approving training requirements; and ensuring financial capacity for sustained operations.
All major decisions relating to these functions are subject to the approval of the president, and the council is mandated to report its activities quarterly to both the president and the National Assembly.
In addition to its regulatory role, the council will oversee a secretariat staffed by officers seconded from the public service. The Permanent Secretary of the Defence Ministry will coordinate the secretariat’s activities. Staff allowances and disciplinary measures will be governed in accordance with public service regulations.
The bill also establishes financial provisions for the council, including the creation of a fund sourced from appropriations by the National Assembly, licence fees, and other income accruing from its operations. At the end of each financial year, the council’s accounts must be audited by an approved firm, and yearly reports, including audited accounts, must be submitted to the president no later than March 31.
One of the most consequential sections of the bill criminalizes the operation of any private security or military-style service without a licence. Individuals found guilty will face life imprisonment, while corporate entities will be dissolved, and their directors similarly subjected to life imprisonment.
Only companies incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act are eligible to receive licences. Jurisdiction over offences arising from the Act will lie exclusively with the Federal High Court.
Senator Nwoko explained that the bill is intended to bring order, professionalism, and accountability to the fast-growing private security sector, which he believes can significantly support the armed forces and improve citizen safety if properly regulated. Once passed, the legislation will be cited as the Private Security Registration Act, 2024.
