- UNIMAID, 18 others get operating licence
Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has called on all Private Guard Companies (PGCs) to prioritise the welfare of their workforce as well as offer them the necessary training to aid their efficiency in service delivery.
The CG made the call on Saturday while issuing operating license to new 19 Private Guard Companies including the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) Security Company, DCC Olusola Odumosu, Director of Public Relations said.
It was gathered that though Security Guard Companies usually charge their employers exorbitantly to provide security services, the welfare of guards across the country is at its lowest ebb with many of the personnel earning less than the legitimate minimum wage irrespective of their education qualifications.
While handing over the license, Dr Audi charged the new operators to take welfare of guards seriously, saying such will discourage compromise and connivance with criminal elements.
“The Corps will frown at any company that does not take care of its staff. Operators should be mindful of undercutting to the detriment of the operatives,” he said.
He urged them to be prepared to contribute their quota to the fight against insecurity by providing credible intelligence and information to the Corps and other security agencies.
The NSCDC boss stressed that if the battle of insecurity must be won all hands must be on deck to proffer solutions to the security challenges confronting the nation.
He strongly cautioned the PGCs against the use of fire arms, impersonation of security agencies uniforms, ranks and other accoutrements.
According to him, an Act of Parliament empowers the Corps to monitor, supervise, license and train operators of PGC.
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Audi warned the PGCs to adhere strictly to the guidelines and conditions of operation and warned against the transfer of operating licenses.
He commended the University of Maiduguri for taking a bold step to register it’s in-house security company and called on other academic institutions, banks, churches among others to emulate such gesture.
In his remark, National President, Association of License Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), who was represented by ALPSPN Vice President, Rev Cannon Mark Abere, tasked members to adhere to the guidelines of operation.
He stressed that the timely renewal of operating licenses and ALPSPN membership is mandatory.
Responding on behalf other operators, Vice Chancellor, University of Maiduguri, Prof Adamu Umar, thanked the Corps and expressed delight for the approval granted to float Unimaid Security Services.
He explained that, as an institution which operates in Boko Haram ravaged community, the University’s management resorted to establishing the outfit to complement the activities of security agencies in terms of patrol, intelligence gathering and report.
While assuring that they will perform their duties with high sense of responsibility and discipline, Prof Umar said the PGC is a child of necessity.
Meanwhile, Odumosu said that the Corps is perfecting plans to clampdown on unlicensed PGCs in the country.
“The Corps plans to clamp down on violators and illegal operators of PGCs across the country. The Corps is to also seal up unlicensed and invalid PGCs in operation,” he stated.
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