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.