How to Start a Security Company in Nigeria

How to Start a Security Company in Nigeria. It is not news that Nigeria is currently faced with a host of security challenges. It is either from insurgency in the North East, kidnapping in the South South and South East to bank robberies in the South West.

Please Read: How to Stop Boko Haram Activities in Nigeria

These security challenges have put a major strain on the existing conventional security establishments such as the Police, Army, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

It is in response to this that private security companies have come to aid the conventional security establishments in protecting lives and properties of individuals. This article is aimed at showing how to start a security company in Nigeria.

A security company is an establishment that is set up to provide both armed and unarmed security and protection services and expertise to private and public clients. Their services include private body guard services, executive protection services, guard dog services, corporate security guard services amongst others.

Operation of a security company is mostly suited for those who have had extensive experience in either the armed forces, police or other government owned security agencies. Most operators of private security outfits in Nigeria are retired members of the above named institutions.

This however does not restrict the ownership of private security companies to only those who have served the nation in one capacity or the other. Any private individual without any questionable character can be allowed to own his or her own private security outfit as long as the person meets the minimum requirements.

The following are the basic requirements for starting up a security company in Nigeria.

1. Embark on the Appropriate Training

Undergoing training courses prior to starting your security company is very important. Despite the fact that you might have some experience as an ex service man or woman, it is important that you still learn the intricacies of operating as a private security professional. For those that have no prior exposure to the world of security services, this sort of training is most important.

These training exercises are mostly carried out by the NSCDC or the Nigerian Police. Here you will learn how to interact with the public and other security agencies, intelligence, handle firearms (that is if you are granted permission to bear arms) and other equipment like batons, handcuffs, Tasers and others.

2. Decide on the Type of Security Services You Will Render

In setting up a security company, it is important that you decide on the type of services that you intend to render. Private security companies normally render services like;

• Executive Bodyguard Services

Normally referred to as VIP protection services. In this type of service, you will concentrate on protecting top government officials, celebrities, top business people and other VIPs. This service can either be armed or unarmed

• Event Security

Here, your outfit will specialize manning the entrance and exit, and also managing crowds at events, such as weddings, birthday celebrations, shows etc. The major function of event security is to ensure that there are no unwanted guests at the events, and also prevent any petty crimes such as pick pocketing from taking place. They are usually armed with Tasers and batons.

• Corporate Outfit Protection

These are the security companies that normally man the doors at business places such as banks, hotels, fast food and large companies. This class of private security personnel are usually unarmed.

3. Get Registered

The private security industry is quite heavily regulated in Nigeria. In order not to run afoul of the laws of the country, it is important that you do the required registration to make your outfit to be legal.

First of all, you must register your company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Secondly, you must also register with the NSCDC because they are the body with the sole responsibility of regulating private security companies in Nigeria.

You should also get registered with the National Association of Private Security Company Owners.

If you intend to run a security outfit that will bear fire arms then you also have to apply to the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for approval to bear such.

Please Read: How to Register a Company in Nigeria

4. Get an Office Space

After fulfilling the above points, you will then need to secure an office space where your administrative activities will take place. For a start, you do not really need a big office space. Let your available capital help you to determine the amount you intend to spend on your office space. Just ensure that the space you secure is sufficient and appropriately furnished to meet your basic administrative needs.

5. Employ and Train Your Staff

You will now need to recruit experienced staff to serve as your security personnel. Your best bet here are retired police or army officers. This is because they have a lot of experience in delivering security at very high level. You can mix them up with young able bodied men and women who will complement them.

Despite the fact that they are experienced, you also have to train them so that they can be up to speed with the current security trends.

You can also hire an administration personnel who will take of the office work. Also note that you will be required to provide insurance for your employees because being a security personnel comes with its own risks.

If you take a look around you will realise that there are already established private security companies in Nigeria. I will give you a few business tips that will assist you in growing your business.

• Build a Good Reputation

Running a security company is a service delivery based business. This means that you need to maintain a high standard of courteousness, professionalism and honesty while rendering your services. Pay close attention to little things like your costume, physique of your guards and your equipment. These little things will help to boost your reputation within the industry.

• Market Your Company

In the course of this business, you will have to continuously bid for contracts from individuals and corporate bodies. It will only help if you carry out proper marketing for your business. Print business cards, flyers, posters and even engage in TV and radio adverts if you have the capital for it.

Please Read: Where to Advertise for Free in Nigeria

• Keep the Moral of Your Employees High

Always ensure that your employees are kept happy. Ensure that you pay them as and when due. You can also throw in some bonuses once in a while. This however does not mean that you will not maintain a high level of discipline

If you have any questions or contributions to this topic on how to start a security company in Nigeria, please use our comments section below

📢 We are hiring writers!