How To Start A Security Business In Nigeria

Business Overview

A security business is involved with the security of lives and properties. The need for security companies in Nigeria and in this case, private security companies arises from the many security challenges. Some of these security challenges include rampant kidnappings, bombings, terrorism, armed robbery etc.

We know that Nigeria already has established government security outfits like the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Military Forces, and Nigeria Paramilitary groups.

But their effort alone is not enough. Hence, the needs for a security business which could supplement the efforts of these already established security outfits of government. This guide will go a long way in intimating you on how to start a security business in Nigeria.

Read Also: 10 Ways to Improve Security in Nigeria

Boko Haram: This is a terrorist group in Nigeria with the motive of Islamizing the nation. To drive their motives, they kill and destroy properties using guns, bombs, etc. Boko Haram is a major security challenge in Nigeria today. It is a nationwide pandemic.

Kidnapping: This is taking people hostage and demanding a ransom before release

Bombing: This is the use of explosives used by to destroy lives and properties massively.

Profitability

Market Structure/Demand Analysis

So many people have been affected by rampant kidnapping, and terrorism in Nigeria. The wide spate of security breaches in the nation has caused the market demand and market value of security guard business to rise.

The market for security guard business is wide. Some of them include homes, offices, the corporate organizations, politicians, individuals, the government institutions etc.

Once you have sufficient proofs and licensing plus experience with legal backings, you automatically become a hot cake in this business.

A Step-By-Step Guide To Starting Security business In Nigeria.

Below are the steps to guide you on how to make money as a graphic designer in Nigeria.

Knowledge/Skill Needed

There is much to learn and know before starting this business. First, you must undergo training and be certified. You must get the basic security training courses.

This will enlighten you Gun handling, protects and rescue operations, self-defense etc. If you have been in the police force or army you will become an expert within a very short period.

Certification

A Certificate on security and a security-related course such as Criminology is necessary. You can get this certification from formal education/training in a recognized tertiary Institution in Nigeria or elsewhere.

Additionally, you will be issued other certifications by the institution from where you and/or your company was trained.

You also need Certificate of Business Registration from the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria (CAC), The Nigeria Police Force, and paramilitary security outfits of Government in Nigeria.

Read Also: 10 Causes of Insecurity in Nigeria

Business Plan

Set out your time and plan out with how to make it in this business. You need a well-written business plan. Before you, there already existed several security companies. So, you need to plan out well and document a report on how to be better off before you start the business.

There are many aspects to security guard business. Some of these include events security, patrol service, business security, bodyguard service security, family security etc.

It is in your business plan that will document the aspect of this business you wish to venture into. It is there too that you will document your startup capital, tools, business registration, staffing, and sustainability and/or exit strategies.

Feasibility Study/Research

The success or failure of any business hinges on good feasibility studies or market research. Of security business is a business, then, it is not left out.

Often times people do run away from a particular security service jobs might be due to the high risk it involves. Ask them why they quit and think of possible long-lasting solutions to the situation.

It is from your market research that you will be able to identify the risks and uncertainties in the business. You also get to know where to get ammunition, tools, equipment etc. It also exposes your competitors and suggests strategies for matching threats from competition.

Licenses And Permits

Since you are operating a legal service, registration and licensing of the business with the appropriate organs of the Government is a must.

One of such governmental bodies is the Cooperate Affairs Commission of Nigeria. Another is the Directorate/Ministry of Interior.

You must be duly licensed by these and other security agencies in Nigeria like The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), The Nigeria Army, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).

Read Also: 10 Problems of National Security in Nigeria and Possible Solutions

Tools/Equipment Needed

Some of the tools and equipment for this business include the following:

1. A means of transport (i.e., van, car, truck, motorcycle etc.

2. Bullet-proof vests.

3. Guns and bullets (optional).

4. ICT gadgets like Computers and its accessories, Walkie-Talkies.

5. Tear gas.

6. Other ammunition and tools (whistles, hand gloves, knee gloves, registers, writing materials etc.)

7. Etc.

N/B: Most private security agencies in Nigeria are not permitted to use deadly ammunition such as Guns, Pistols etc. Site your office within the easy reach of people for almost immediate security response.

Management Practice

Staffing

While starting a private security business, it is necessary that your workforce should comprise of competent professionals and non-professionals.

These will assist you in with the day-to-day running of the business. it is important that they are duly certified by the appropriate bodies to which they are affiliated with. Albeit, re-train them to fit into the requirements of your business.

For core security personnel, crosscheck their training from appropriate security outlets and also check their experience level before considering them for your establishment.

You may start out by posting them to small-scale business places, events or homes until they are competent enough to man highly sensitive positions.

Employing of underage people is not allowed.  The required age for hiring a security personnel in Nigeria is 18 years and above.

In Nigeria, it is an offense and a breach of the law and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to hire someone lower than 18 years as a security officer.

Read Also: 10 Causes of Insecurity In Nigeria And Solutions

Advisers

Of course, nobody is an embodiment of knowledge. You have to get a mentor even if you are trained. Your advisers include the company or firm under which your company is/was trained, as well as the Government security outfits.

Do not just meet just any soldier, policeman or any security official if they do not have what you are looking for. Reach out to the inspector general of police (IG), the commissioner of police recognized security outfits where possible and other top leaders of the force (army, police, navy, civil defense etc.)

The members of the public and people living within your coverage area are equally your advisers. These understand the security terrain more than you because they lived there long before you.

It is they who can easily fish out evil perpetrators because these live among them. So, form a solid coalition with the vigilantes and others within your coverage domain.

You may face other challenges like a spiritual challenge. Hence, abide by your religious rites to get yourself protected. You can always seek out to leaders of those religious institutions to help you out.

Additionally, get advice and support from established institutions within your coverage area. This includes the religious, cultural, economic and governmental bodies.

Marketing Practice

Advertising Strategies:

When you are good, you become a hot cake. Do your business well and quality will talk for you. After doing your necessary homework I think it is time you take it to another level by exposing it to people who are in need of it.

You can place advertisements online, send emails to people in authority, government’s officials and affected families. You do not necessarily require a billboard. Remember it is a security issue and must be treated as such.

Read Also: 10 Problems of Security in Nigeria and Possible Solutions

Conclusion

You as an individual, that is, the CEO will need to go for the appropriate training on security and be licensed to start this business. The business delegation is secure life and property.

This business needs special training for this. It is necessary that you work in a security guard company for a while to gain more knowledge and experience before setting out.

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