The Federal Government has unveiled plans to arm selected private security companies and license private firefighting services as part of sweeping reforms in the Ministry of Interior.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the measures on Thursday during the ministry’s Mid-Tenure/2025 Sectoral Performance Retreat at Zuma Rock Resorts, Suleja, Niger State.
He explained that while many of the proposals would require legislative approval, they are aimed at strengthening national security, modernising emergency response, and easing the burden on overstretched government agencies.
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Tunji-Ojo disclosed that Nigeria’s immigration system had undergone a “fundamental overhaul” to eliminate corruption, improve efficiency, and restore confidence in the passport regime. He revealed that a Centralised Passport Personalisation Centre — the largest in Africa — has been established through renegotiated contracts without additional government spending.
“My responsibility is to do what is right, not what is convenient. Nigerians deserve efficiency, not bottlenecks,” the minister said, reiterating his commitment to ensuring passports are delivered within seven days.
On security, Tunji-Ojo described the 1986 Private Guards Act as obsolete and backed legislative moves to repeal it. With Nigeria’s population exceeding 230 million and security agencies overstretched, he said it was time to allow vetted private security firms to bear arms.
“If we don’t allow some of them, not all, to carry weapons, then what we have is not really security, but just gate men,” he argued.
He recommended that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) regulate armed private security companies through profiling, vetting, and licensing, while the Ministry of Interior would handle corporate licensing. He stressed that strict accountability measures would prevent misuse of firearms.
The minister also called for urgent reforms in the Federal Fire Service (FFS), noting that the 1963 law establishing it is outdated and ineffective. He said the law denies the agency powers to prosecute, regulate, or enforce safety standards, leaving it as “a toothless dog.”
To address the gap, he proposed licensing private firefighting and rescue companies, insisting that government alone cannot meet the growing demands of modern fire and emergency services. Discussions with the National Assembly are already underway to amend the Fire Service Act in line with international best practices, he added.
“In the US and UK, emergency medical services are under the fire service. That is what we must aim for. If we fail in emergency response, we fail the economy,” Tunji-Ojo warned.
He urged lawmakers, stakeholders, and the private sector to collaborate with the Executive in building a modern, efficient, and well-funded fire and rescue framework.
According to him, the reforms are crucial not only for protecting lives and property but also for creating a safer environment that attracts investment and supports sustainable development.
