The NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has presented 28 operating licences to Chief Executive Officers of private security guard companies.
A statement by CSC Afolabi Babawale, National Public Relations Officer, NSCDC National Headquarters, Abuja, stated that the Commandant-General presented the certificates while addressing the national executives of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria, ALPSPN, and the newly registered members.
According to the statement, the NSCDC Commandant-General said the business of enhancing effective security across the nation is a collective responsibility, which calls for prompt and timely intelligence gathering.
Audi was represented by the Deputy Commandant-General, Directorate of Technical Services, DCG Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, who made the presentation of licences to the newly registered private guard companies at NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.
“We are acquainted with the fact that most of the chief executive officers of the private guard companies are ex-service men whose wealth of experience would stimulate and provide credible intelligence needed to enhance adequate security; premise on this, you are therefore charged to uphold the integrity and standards of professionalism and commitment so that together we can build a nation; safe for investors and habitable for technological advancement across board,” he said.
Audu explained that, though the licences might be for business profit, it is also an opportunity for them to contribute their quota to strengthening national security.
“Be assured that your companies would be assessed and rated based on adherence to regulatory requirements; therefore, future relationships with the Corps, including renewal of your licenses, shall be based on your performance,” he added.
The NSCDC boss further stated that the licences are issued at a time when a unified training curriculum, which ensures that guards receive the same training irrespective of their location in Nigeria, has been launched.
While congratulating the newly licensed companies, he urged them to maintain the qualities of integrity, impeccable character, and trustworthiness, which were considered requirements before the approval of their licences.
In a welcome address, the Assistant Commandant-General in charge of the Private Guard Companies Department, ACG Peter Maigari, who described the process as rigorous and tedious, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to professionalism.
