Despite high level of insecurity in Nigeria, the country still has unclear regulations for the private security industry, experts have said.
Olufemi Ajayi, CEO, Risk Control Services Nigeria Limited, said this while receiving ISO 9001:2008 certificate from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria.
According to Ajayi, most of the regulations in the private security industry in the country are still targeted at security guards, as the industry is so huge that it incorporates manufacturers, consultants and trainers.
He urged the Federal Government to unveil a holistic policy that will encompass all players in the industry, saying, “the truth is that insecurity thrives in an atmosphere of disorder.”
The company is the first and only security consulting company in West Africa that has submitted and obtained ISO certification for its background screening service.
“Private security in Nigeria is not well-regulated. This is why we submitted to international standards,” he said.
Insecurity, ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery to Boko Haram insurgency, has thrived in the country. Africa’s largest economy has, incidentally, relied on fewer than 400,000 police officers and few private security guards to protect its 174 million population.
Ajayi said for the sector to help improve security, its institution and rules must be strengthened, as his company’s quest for ISO necessitated a one-year rigorous process of systems enhancements and quality improvements under the supervision of our consultants and the guidance of auditors from the SON.
Tokunbo Talabi, chairman of the company, said, “Nigeria is a country of high risk.”
According to Talabi, the government should create an enabling environment that will help institutions and organisations to thrive.
“Our laws cover the rudimentary levels. We need to engage decision makers to ensure that this spectrum of security is fully covered,” Talabi said.
Also, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the body that regulates polytechnics and colleges of education, has given the academy a licence while accrediting two of its programs – Security Management and Technology, and. IT Networks and Electronic Security.
“Students from this academy will have basic knowledge in every area of security,” the CEO said.
