DRIVING ACCOUNTABILITY IN NIGERIA’S PRIVATE SECURITY SECTOR

In November 2025, ICoCA visited Nigeria, supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, to strengthen responsible private security practices and engage key stakeholders across government, regulators, civil society, corporate clients and private security companies (PSCs).

ICoCA met with Members and Affiliates, including AB Offshore Marine Services, Agwe Global Group, Greenswiift Investment, Libertine Global Solutions, Loyz Marine, Pilgrims Africa and Prudential Guard, to hear firsthand about the operational and ethical challenges of implementing international private security standards. Discussions with major PSCs exploring membership, such as Halogen Security, and clients like ABB, highlighted the importance of collaboration to strengthen accountability across the sector.

Engagements with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), including Deputy Commandant General Bridget Taylor, continued a dialogue on potential government participation in ICoCA, while meetings with the Swiss and UK missions reinforced the value of multi-stakeholder approaches.

Rising living costs and low wages leave many security personnel vulnerable to long hours, poverty and corruption. To address these issues, ICoCA will soon conduct a national survey on working conditions for security personnel.

Following the successful launch of the Corporate Accountability Initiative (CAI) in DRC in earlier this year, ICoCA also delivered a three-day workshop for Nigerian civil society organisations, equipping participants to monitor and document corporate human rights and environmental abuses linked to private security providers, particularly in high-risk sectors such as extractives and agribusiness. Delivered with African Law Foundation and TRIAL International and supported by the European Union, the training focused on victim support, legal frameworks and accountability mechanisms.

The visit reinforced ICoCA’s commitment to advancing professional, accountable and rights-respecting private security in Nigeria, promoting collaboration, higher standards and stronger protections for personnel and communities.