REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTERING A PRIVATE SECURITY COMPANY IN NIGERIA

To register a private security company in Nigeria, you need to fulfill certain requirements and follow the necessary procedures. Here are the general steps and requirements:

1. Company Incorporation: Register your company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria as a private limited liability company (Ltd). This involves the following steps:

a. Choose a unique company name and conduct a name search with the CAC.

b. Prepare the necessary incorporation documents, including Memorandum and Articles of Association, Form CAC 1.1 (Application for Registration), and Form CAC 1.2 (Statement of Share Capital and Return of Allotment).

c. Pay the prescribed filing fees and submit the documents to the CAC for processing.

2. Tax Registration: Register your company with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for tax purposes. This includes obtaining a Tax Identification Number (TIN) and registering for Value Added Tax (VAT) if applicable.

3. Business Permit: Apply for a Business Permit from the Nigerian Police Force through the Private Guard Companies Department (PGCD). This involves the following steps:

a. Obtain the application form from the PGCD or download it from their website.

b. Complete the form and attach the required documents, which may include company incorporation documents, tax clearance certificate, evidence of financial capability, proof of ownership/lease agreement for a suitable office space, and a list of proposed security personnel.

c. Pay the prescribed application fee and submit the form and documents to the PGCD for processing.

4. License: Obtain a Private Guard Company License from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC). The steps involved are as follows:

a. Obtain the application form from the NSCDC or download it from their website.

b. Complete the form and attach the required documents, which may include company incorporation documents, tax clearance certificate, Business Permit, evidence of financial capability, proof of ownership/lease agreement for a suitable office space, and a list of proposed security personnel.

c. Pay the prescribed application fee and submit the form and documents to the NSCDC for processing.

5. Training and Certification: Ensure that your security personnel receive the necessary training and certification from accredited security training institutions in Nigeria. This includes obtaining Security Operatives Identification Numbers (SOIN) for each employee.

6. Compliance: Comply with all relevant regulations and guidelines provided by the regulatory authorities, such as the PGCD and NSCDC. This includes periodic reporting, record-keeping, and adhering to the requirements for the deployment of security personnel.

It is important to note that the requirements and procedures may vary slightly depending on the state or local government where you intend to operate your private security company. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with the appropriate authorities and seek professional advice to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.