NSCDC License Application
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NSCDC License Application (Private Security License in Nigeria)
The NSCDC License Application refers to the process of obtaining an operational license from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to run a Private Security Company (PSC) in Nigeria.
Under the Private Guard Companies Act (Cap 367 LFN 1990) and NSCDC Regulation 2003, no individual or company is allowed to provide private security services without a valid license issued by the NSCDC.
The NSCDC (Private Guards Companies Department) regulates, monitors, and controls the activities of all private security companies in Nigeria to ensure national safety, professionalism, and compliance with the law.
Why the NSCDC License is Important
- Legal authorization to operate a private security company.
- Builds trust and credibility with clients and partners.
- Ensures compliance with national security laws.
- Protects your company from fines, closure, or prosecution.
- Allows you to tender for government and corporate security contracts.
Who Can Apply
- Nigerian citizens or corporate entities registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
- Applicants must have at least two directors (for companies).
- None of the directors or key officers must be serving or dismissed personnel of the Armed Forces, Police, DSS, or NSCDC (without proper clearance).
- The company must be registered specifically for Private Security Services or Guard Services.
Requirements For Registration as a Private Guard Company
- Certified True Copy (CTC) of Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Certificate of Incorporation (minimum of 10 million shares)
- Credentials of Directors (at least one director must be a retired member of the Police or Army, with rank of ASP or equivalent and above)
- Eight (8) passport photographs for each director
- Eight (8) full photographs (postcard size: 5 x 7 inches) of each director with a white background. Each photograph must have five fingerprints and the director’s signature signed at the back in the presence of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officers.
- Means of Identification for each director (either the signature page of an international passport, National ID card, or Driver’s License)
- Attestation Letters from referees for each director
- One uniform sample with two photographs of a guard wearing it. The uniform and accoutrement must not resemble any government agency or be similar to any other Private Guard Company’s (PGC).
Statutory Fees as follows:
- Application Fee: ₦500,000
- Personal History Statement (PHS) Form: ₦100,000 per director
- Tax Clearance Certificate
- Statement of Account
- Letter from Legal Adviser
- Letter from Auditor
- Proposed Training Program
- Proposed Salary Structure
- Veterinary Certificate (optional)
- Medical Retainership
- Letter from Bankers
NOTE*: If you are unable to provide any of the listed requirements, we can facilitate and secure them on your behalf at a cost.
*After your application is approved, you will be invited for an interview. Following the interview, you must choose a license category under the NSCDC:*
- Category A : Private Guard Company with 500 staff and above — ₦3,000,000
- Category B : Private Guard Company with fewer than 500 staff — ₦2,500,000
NOTE: We will also provide advisory counsel to prepare you for the interview.
License Validity & Renewal
- The NSCDC license is typically valid for one (1) year.
- Renewal must be done annually, before expiration.
- Renewal requires submission of updated tax clearance, statutory compliance certificates, and payment of renewal fee.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Operating without an NSCDC license or with an expired license attracts serious penalties:
- Seizure or closure of company premises
- Legal prosecution and fines
- Permanent disqualification from obtaining future licenses
- Blacklisting from government contracts
Choose us because we go beyond just registration. We ensure your business is legally compliant, strategically structured, and ready for sustainable growth. With years of experience helping entrepreneurs and companies navigate complex regulatory processes, we simplify every step, provide personalized guidance, and deliver reliable support that sets your business up for long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Typically between 2-3 months, depending on document readiness, vetting, and approval speed.
A: No. Only a registered company (corporate entity) can apply.
A: Yes, once approved, it allows you to operate across Nigeria — but you must notify state commands where you operate.
A: Costs vary depending on your company’s category and operational scale. The application fee, inspection, and license issuance fees are determined by NSCDC.
A: Yes, but renewal after expiry may attract penalties or require re-validation.
A: You must notify the NSCDC immediately and update your license record.
A: ITF, PENCOM, NSITF, Group Life Insurance, and Tax Clearance Certificate are mandatory.
A: Not directly. Foreigners may participate through partnership or joint venture with a Nigerian-registered company approved by NSCDC.
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