By KELECHI OGUNLEYE
ABUJA- The Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), has called on Licensed Private Guards (PGC) operators to complement the Federal Government’s efforts in ensuring adequate security in the country.
The ALPSPN President, Mr Wilson Esangbedo, while speaking with a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Correspondent on Tuesday in Abuja, encouraged members to play active roles in safeguarding the nation.
Esangbedo said it is important for the security operators to engage in intelligence gathering and timely reports sharing with security agencies.
He said that Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the regulator of the association, has been very supportive to them.
He said that the NSCDC recently issued operating licences to over 30 PGCs across the country.
The president, however, said that some of the security guards companies were find it difficult to renew their operating licence due to the harsh economic environment.
“Because we have a database of members, before expiry we call and remind them on the need to renew their licence and contact us for further inquiries.
“The renewal rate has improved but the business environment is not friendly now, so we have some members struggling to renew their licences.
“Some are doing well, some are not doing well, some are not doing well at all,” Esangbedo said.
The Association Head further called on PGC operators yet to register with the association to do so.
“I have told them it is in their interest to be part of the association in order to protect their interests.
“If they are not in and have issues, we cannot give them the support they need,” he said.
Esangbedo said that the association has over 1,000 members, adding that the number changes based on circumstances in their operations. (NAN)