Guide To Apply For NSCDC Private Guard License in Nigeria

After registering your private security company with CAC, it will be a very terrible thing not to budget or plan for securing the Civil Defense security license. In this guide, we will walk you through on how you can apply for the NSCDC Private guard license in Nigeria

Operating a private security company in Nigeria usually starts by registering with CAC and proceeding to obtain license.

In our recent article, I explained the nitty-gritty and share capital and cost requirements for registering a security company in Nigeria that falls within CAMA 2020 regulations.

Today, I will walk you through securing the license to operate as a security guard company in Nigeria

What Is a Private Guard Company License?

A private guard company license is a license issued by the Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps as a permit to operate as a security firm in Nigeria.

The main aim of a security company is to protect lives and property of both private and public individuals.

In Nigeria, the Security & Civil Defence Corps is saddled with the responsibility of registration, licensing, and supervision of private guard companies.

Importance of Securing The Private Guard Company License

• Regulatory compliance
• Limited liability protection
• Risk management
• Quality assurance
• Public acceptance
• Networking and collaboration

Who Needs To Apply For NSCDC Private Guard License in Nigeria?

Private security companies already registered with CAC under the minimum share capital requirement of 10 million will need the private guard license to operate effectively in Nigeria.

In addition, any corporate organization or company that provides services for watching, guarding, patrolling, or carrying money for protection against crime must obtain the license

NSCDC Private Guard Company License Requirements

Thinking of applying for NSCDC private security license in Nigeria? Then you should consider the following

1. An official Application for private guard license addressed to the Commandant General on the letterhead of the company

2. All CAC documents

3. NSITF, BPP, PENCOM And ITF Certificates

4. Application fee of ₦500,000

5. Tax Clearance Certificate

6. Financial statement of account

7. Letter from a legal adviser

8. Letter from an auditor

9. Proposed training program

10. Proposed salary structure

11. Veterinary certificate (optional)

12. Personal History Statement (PHS) forms at One hundred thousand naira (₦100,000) only. All directors must obtain one

13. Credentials of directors (2 copies) to be attached with PHS form

14. Letter from bankers

15. Eight (8) passport photographs for each of the Directors.

16. Eight (8) full photographs (postcard 5 X 7 inches) of each of the Directors with a white background, with five fingers print and signature signed at the back of the postcard (photograph) in the presence of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Officers.

17. Photocopy of the signature page of the Directors in the International passport or National ID Card or Driver’s License and this should be stapled at the back cover of the file jacket.

18. PHS form must be adequately filled by the Directors stating Nil or Not Applicable to portions they do not have answers to and no column should be left unfilled.

19. Attestation letters from referees for each Director.

20. One uniform sample with photograph of a guard in Uniform (2 copies). All uniforms and accoutrement must not have semblance of any government agency or similar to any other PGCs.

Payment of application fee is not an authorization to operate. Licenses are required before operations can commence.

Categories of Private Guard Company License in Nigeria

There are basically 2 categories to select from when applying for the NSCDC private guard license in Nigeria

Category A

Under this category, you are required to have more than 3,000 security guards. You shall also pay a license fee of ₦3,000,000

Category B 

For this category, you can not have more than 3,000 security guards. You will be required to pay a license fee of ₦2,500,000

Cost of Obtaining NSCDC Private Guard License in Nigeria

The cost to apply and secure the NSCDC private guard license in Nigeria is will fluctuate depending on the category of registration.

• This fee can be divided into
• Application fee
• Statutory license fee
• Consultancy (professional fee) when you employ the services of an expert

Below is what you could potentially spend to obtain the license

Category A

• Application fee ₦500,000
• License Fee ₦3,000,000
• Professional Fee ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000
• So for category A, You could potentially spend about ₦4,000,000 to ₦4,500,000

Category B

• Application fee ₦500,000
• License Fee ₦2,500,000
• Professional Fee ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000
• So for category A, You could potentially spend about ₦3,500,000 to ₦4,000,000

How Long Does It Take to Obtain a Private Guard License?

The application process, review, supervision and approval process for the NSCDC license will take about 2 months once all requirements are met.

Renewal of a Private Guard Company License in Nigeria

Renewing a Private Guard Company (PGC) License in Nigeria must be initiated with the Nigeria Security & Civil Defense Corps at least 3 months before expiration.

Failure to do so results in automatic revocation and penalty fees.

Common Reasons PGC License Could Be Rejected

Because of the sensitivity of involved in the application process and finally approval, most license applications get rejected because one issues that could have avoided.

Below are some common issues

• Incomplete Documentation
• Failure to meet the minimum CAC share capital requirement
• No verifiable company address or location
• Failed security screening
• Non-Compliance with other NSCDC Requirements