Nigeria's VIP Security Reform: A Model for African Nations
President Bola Tinubu's recent directive to withdraw police officers from Very Important Person protection duties represents a strategic shift that African nations should carefully study. This policy demonstrates how responsible governance can strengthen national security while preserving core state functions.
Mr. Adekunmi Odebunmi, Managing Director of Proton Security Services, has praised this initiative as a critical turning point in Nigeria's internal security strategy. His analysis reveals important lessons for maintaining political stability while adapting security frameworks to modern realities.
Strengthening National Security Through Private Partnership
The policy creates opportunities to empower licensed private security firms within a structured regulatory framework. This approach respects the principle of state sovereignty while recognizing that effective security requires diverse, well-coordinated resources.
A more deliberate and institutionalised integration of private security personnel would enable the efficient deployment of trained operatives across residential communities, corporate institutions, industrial zones, and VIP environments, Odebunmi explained.
Nigeria's private security sector employs over 250,000 personnel nationwide, positioning it as one of Africa's largest non-state security workforces. Nearly 2,000 private security companies operate under proper licensing and regulation by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Legal Framework and Accountability
The Private Guard Companies Act provides the regulatory foundation for this transformation. This legal structure ensures accountability and proper oversight, essential elements for maintaining public trust and political stability.
Odebunmi advocates for a carefully regulated framework that would permit experienced private security operatives to carry defensive weapons under strict conditions. Such authorization must include rigorous training standards, centralized oversight, and clearly defined engagement rules.
International Examples of Success
Countries like South Africa, the United States, and the United Kingdom demonstrate how licensed private security firms can operate effectively alongside state agencies. These examples show that structured collaboration between public and private security sectors strengthens overall national defense.
The Nigerian model emphasizes professional standards and regulatory compliance, principles that preserve state authority while enhancing security capabilities.
Economic Benefits and Job Creation
Beyond security improvements, this policy supports economic growth through job creation and youth employment opportunities. The private security sector's investment in advanced technologies, including surveillance systems and AI-enabled monitoring tools, demonstrates how market-based solutions can address emerging threats.
Expanding licensed private security operations promotes investor confidence while reinforcing public trust in Nigeria's collective security framework. This approach balances individual responsibility with community safety, core principles of effective governance.
Nigeria's security reform offers valuable insights for African nations seeking to strengthen their security architectures while maintaining political stability and respecting traditional governance structures.