Abuja: Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), has called for effective oversight of private security companies in Nigeria. Sulaiman made this appeal during the opening of a workshop on Private Security Governance and Legislative Oversight in Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the workshop was organized by NILDS in collaboration with the African Law Foundation (AFRILAW) and the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF). The event was specifically designed for chairmen and clerks of security-related committees in the National Assembly.
Sulaiman highlighted the increasingly crucial role of the private security sector in Nigeria, which is vital in augmenting public security and ensuring the safety of lives and property. He noted that the industry has seen significant growth, with over 1,500 registered companies now offering a range of services beyond traditional guarding, including private surveillance and investigative services.
He emphasized that this growth, while presenting opportunities for improved national security and job creation, also introduces governance challenges that necessitate effective legislative oversight. Sulaiman pointed out that, given the evolving security landscape driven by complex threats such as insurgency and cyber threats, strengthening governance and oversight is essential.
He urged chairmen and clerks of security-related committees to focus on enacting effective legislation and ensuring diligent oversight. Sulaiman stressed the importance of amending the Private Guard Companies Act of 1986 to better reflect the current private security landscape and evolving threats.
In her remarks, Ms. Gabrielle Prinklopilova, Programme Manager of DCAF, explained that the center, established by the Swiss Government, supports states in building effective, inclusive, and accountable security institutions. She highlighted the importance of aligning private security operations with legal standards, human rights, and public security needs.
Chairmen of the House of Representatives Committees on Police Affairs and Army expressed their commitment to amending relevant laws regulating the sector. Rep. Aminu Balele (APC-Katsina), represented by Rep. David Ogewu (APC-Benue), reaffirmed the national assembly’s dedication to security matters, as evidenced by budgetary allocations to the sector, and looked forward to the workshop’s outcomes as a contribution to legislative and policy formulation.