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Sector licencesSecurityNigeria

License a private security company (NSCDC)

License a private guard company with the NSCDC (Ministry of Interior): incorporate → apply to the Commandant-General → insurance/NSITF/training → category licence.

Procedure
4steps
Coordination
3agencies
Category
Sector licencesSecurity
Task links

Go to the exact next page

Application, requirements, forms, fees, and tracking are labelled separately.

RequirementsRead the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) service pageCorporate Affairs Commission (CAC) · nscdc.gov.ng
Routing map

Who you will deal with

Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)NSCDC
Procedure

The steps, in order

Each route below is scoped to the step it can actually complete.

  1. 01

    Incorporate the company

    Agency
    Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
    What is required
    Register an LLC with minimum ₦10,000,000 authorised share capital and at least 3 directors — one being a retired military or senior police officer.
    Documents
    Certificate of Incorporation; ≥₦10m share capital; qualifying director
    Typical timeline
    See CAC procedure
    Use for this step
  2. 02

    Apply to the NSCDC Commandant-General

    Agency
    Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
    What is required
    Submit a Private Guard Company application: MEMART (x2), Certificate of Incorporation (x2), application fee ₦500,000, PHS forms ₦100,000, police clearance for directors and personnel, and postcard photos with fingerprints taken before NSCDC officers.
    Documents
    Application; ₦500k fee; PHS; police clearances; photos
    Typical timeline
    Application stage
    Use for this step
  3. 03

    Provide insurance, NSITF and trained guards

    Agency
    NSCDC
    What is required
    Provide insurance cover for personnel/operations, register with NSITF, and have guards trained and certified by the NSCDC.
    Documents
    Insurance; NSITF registration; NSCDC-certified guards
    Typical timeline
    Before licensing
    Use for this step
  4. 04

    Obtain the category licence

    Agency
    NSCDC
    What is required
    The NSCDC grants a licence by category based on number of guards (e.g. Category A ₦3,000,000 for 3,000+ guards). Payment of the application fee is NOT authority to operate — operate only after the licence is issued.
    Documents
    Category licence fee
    Typical timeline
    On approval
    Use for this step
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