Challenges of Providing Security in Lagos State: The case of Corporate Private Security Organisations

Abstract

The existence and rapid growth of CPSOs have created new opportunities and challenges. To regulate the CPSOs effectively, the study therefore investigates the challenges of CPSOs in crime prevention in Lagos State. Data were obtained using a combination of a questionnaire, In-depth Interview (IDI) and Key-informant interview (KII) methods. Copies of the questionnaire were administered on 1,200 respondents in gated neighbourhoods in four Local Government Area (LGAs) of Lagos State namely, Island, Shomolu, Ikeja and Amuwo/Odofin LGAs. Thirty IDIs were conducted with members of staff and management of corporate companies, corporate guards, and proprietors of CPSOs. Four KIIs were also conducted with two members each of Society of Security Practitioners of Nigeria SSPN) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps( NSCDC). The study revealed that challenges facing the CPSOs included poor training (34.8%), poor remuneration and welfare schemes (47.2%) due to the absence of clear operational standards. These have also led to the problems of pilfering (25.3%), negligence (29.5%), patronizing (47.5%) among the guards. The qualitative data generated also corroborated these findings. There is, therefore, an urgent need to set clear and definite standards to promote professionalism in the private security industry.