Underpaying security guards is not a smart business move. It leads to a range of negative outcomes, including low morale, high turnover, and increased risk to your property and people. In Nigeria, some clients pay as little as ₦30,000 per guard—less than half the national minimum wage. This results in security companies cutting corners on training, equipment, and background checks, which ultimately affects everyone.
A guard who is underpaid and unsupported is more likely to ignore threats or even become part of the problem. Lost assets, unreported incidents, and reputational damage rarely show up in the monthly invoice—but their impact can be devastating.
The solution is simple: invest in your security. Insist on living wages, ongoing training, and proper equipment. Ask your provider for proof. For business owners, this is not just about compliance; it is about protecting what matters most.
If you are hiring security, challenge the "cheapest is best" mindset. If you are in government, enforce wage and licensing standards. If you are in the industry, refuse contracts that do not allow you to do the job right.
Security is never truly cheap. Pay fairly, demand professionalism, and get peace of mind in return.
Professionalism is the backbone of adequate security, yet it's often missing in Nigeria's private sector. Guards are deployed with minimal training, supervisors lack assessment skills, and companies operate with little oversight. This leads to gaps that put businesses and lives at risk. The need for professionalism in the private security sector is clear, and it's time to address these issues.
A professional security industry requires standards: mandatory training, licensing, regular audits, and a culture of accountability. Guards should know how to handle emergencies, report incidents, and understand site-specific risks. Supervisors must be able to assess threats and write clear, actionable reports.
The path forward is clear: government agencies and security associations need to work together to set, enforce, and regularly update standards. Security companies must invest in staff development and refuse to cut corners. Clients should demand evidence of training and certification before signing any contract.
Professionalism is not just about uniforms or paperwork—it is about trust. When trust is broken, everyone pays the price.
Let us raise the bar for security in Nigeria: push for industry-wide certification, invest in continuous training, and expect more from everyone in the chain.
What single change would most improve professionalism in security? Have your say below.
Security is not just about putting bodies at your gate. It is about systems, standards, and support. Too often, clients shop for security like they are buying groceries—comparing headcounts and chasing the lowest price, without asking what is behind the scenes.
A responsible security company does much more than deploy guards. They recruit carefully, vet backgrounds, provide uniforms and training, and supervise staff closely. They invest in equipment, maintain communication lines, and pay on time. Each shortcut a company takes—whether in training, pay, or supervision—directly increases your risk.
Clients, do not be fooled by low bids. Demand transparency: ask what is included, how guards are supported, and what happens when things go wrong. If a provider cannot answer, look elsewhere.
Security is a service, not a commodity. When you focus on quality, you get a team that protects your interests, not just a group of bodies in uniform.
When evaluating security providers, always demand transparency. Ask what is included, how guards are supported, and what happens when things go wrong. Remember, a lack of transparency is a red flag that should not be ignored.
We value integrity, teamwork, attitude, performance and passion. Currently, our portfolio includes the protection of assets worth over 50 Billion naira and we believe that your project is well suited to our strengths and aspirations.
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