Private security industry needs reform to address poor wages – Group president

The National President of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria, Chris Adigwu, has said the industry needs urgent reform to correct poor wages and unfavourable working conditions of its employees.

Speaking with our correspondent on Friday, Adigwu said majority of private security guards earned far below the national minimum wage.

He added that many private security companies also experienced delays in receiving payments from clients which exacerbate their financial struggles.

“Security guards are grappling with poverty-level wages, compounded by delay in client payments and the rising cost of living,” Adigwu stated.

 The ALPSPN president called for immediate action to ensure fair salary and prompt payment to security guards, stressing that the changes are essential to improving the well-being and enhancing the quality of services provided by the guards.

 “To promote guards well-being, service quality, and a sustainable security industry, we urge for fair compensation and timely payments,” he stressed.

One of the significant challenges facing the sector, according to Adigwu, is employee retention.

He said, “Our security guards face challenges with employee retention, as many view their roles as temporary positions.”

Adiqwu said the association is working to professionalise the workforce by creating long-term career pathways within the industry.

Adigwu expressed optimism that the reforms would transform the sector, offering better job security and more reliable compensation for guards across the country.