The State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Enugu State Command, Commandant Dr. Elijah Etim Willie, PhD, received the National President of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), Dr. Chris Adigwu, alongside several National and State Executives from Zone E, comprising Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States on a working visit to the Command headquarters.

The visit was facilitated by Sir Sunny Okeke, Enugu State Chairman of ALPSPN, who explained that the association had informed the State Commandant about the upcoming Zone E zonal meeting, which the National President would attend. He added that the visit was intended to demonstrate respect to the NSCDC as the regulatory agency responsible for licensing and monitoring private security activities in the state.

In his remarks, Dr. Chris Adigwu praised the State Commandant for his extensive experience and intellectual leadership. He stated that the purpose of the visit was to express gratitude for the support and collaboration ALPSPN has enjoyed in Enugu State, as well as to seek continued cooperation.

Dr. Adigwu also highlighted that NSCDC’s regulatory oversight has positively contributed to the growth of private security businesses. However, he emphasized the need to review the Private Guard Companies (PGC) Act, which has been in place for several decades and is now considered outdated, especially given that the private security sector is one of the largest employers of labor in Nigeria.

In response, Commandant Dr. Willie reiterated that the NSCDC remains the official agency mandated to license and supervise private guard companies nationwide. He underscored the importance of mutual respect and cooperation, including periodic submission of security reports by private guard companies. Dr. Willie also outlined recent command initiatives, such as statewide monitoring operations that have led to the closure of unlicensed operators, confiscation of unauthorized firearms, enforcement of yearly levy payments by operators, and improvements in welfare provisions for security personnel.

In conclusion, Dr. Willie commended the National President and the executives for their visit. The event was commemorated with photographs.

ASC 11 Okenwa Victoria Adaeze Public Relations Unit