Interior Minister, Tunji-Ojo Vows to Step On Toes To Reform Private Security Guard Industry

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has vowed to step on toes to ensure the reform and standardisation of the Private Security Guard Industry in Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the minister, who decried the proliferation of private security guards in the country, during a stakeholders’ meeting with the industry representatives on Tuesday.

Private security or private guards play a critical role in the national security architecture worldwide, so we feel realistic that Nigeria cannot be an exception to this global trend,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo said the reformed initiatives, when implemented, would enhance the capacity of private guard companies and provide well-paid jobs for Nigerian youths.

However, he noted that the reform might lead to mergers or outright withdrawal of operational licenses for some who may need to meet the standard.

The minister admitted that, given the creation of a well-documented database, security guards would no longer run away from crimes committed at workstations without traces.

He added that the private security guard reform would require linking personal identity with recruitment.

Meanwhile, the National President of the Association of Private Security Guard Owners, Dr Chris Adigwu, in response to Tunji-Ojo, said the private security guard industry employs over 5 million Nigerians and, when optimised to a standard level, would complement the effort of law enforcement agencies in the country.

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Mayowa Durosinmi

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M. Durosinmi is a West Africa Weekly investigative reporter covering Politics, Human Rights, Health, and Security in West Africa and the Sahel Region

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