By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: The Federal Government on Wednesday said it will soon review the Private Security Companies Act of 1986 to bring it in line with current security realities and international best practices.

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo gave the assurance in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the 5th Private Security Industry Summit and 9th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria ALPSPN.

Head, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Mary Ali in a statement said the minister underscored the critical role of private security companies in enhancing national security, particularly through credible intelligence gathering.

He said Nigeria’s security goals could not be achieved without an active and professional private security industry, adding that the government seeks to make operators in the sector globally competitive and professionally managed.

“We are at a time in Nigeria where private security companies are key to what we want to achieve. We don’t just need you for security, but also for gathering credible and factual intelligence,” Tunji-Ojo said.

According to him, the private security sector currently employs over one million Nigerians, describing it as a vital contributor to the nation’s economy and stability.

He said a stronger and more coordinated private security industry is essential to improving the country’s overall security landscape.

Also speaking at the event, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, commended the summit’s timeliness, describing it as a meaningful platform to advance the growth and development of private security practice in Nigeria.

He reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to continued collaboration with ALPSPN in strengthening national security coordination.

In his welcome address, President of ALPSPN, Dr Chris Adigwu, said the summit provided an opportunity to identify operational gaps and chart a path towards a more unified and resilient private security framework that aligns with the nation’s security objectives.