Abuja: Switzerland has pledged its commitment to supporting Nigeria in enhancing its private security governance. Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Eglof, made this announcement in Abuja during the inauguration of the Nigeria chapter of the International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA), an event organized by AfriLaw in collaboration with the Swiss Embassy.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, ICoCA, established in 2013, aims to uphold human rights and humanitarian law among private security providers and acts as a governance mechanism for the Code. The organization unites governments, private security firms, and civil society to ensure accountability and compliance with international standards. Mr. Eglof emphasized that the initiative represents a unique collaboration to promote respect for human rights and international humanitarian law in private security operations.
Since 2017, the Swiss Embassy has been actively engaging with Nigeria’s Interior Ministry and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to regulate private security. This new chapter in Nigeria is expected to foster local ownership of standards, promote peer learning, and enhance collaboration among regulators, companies, and civil society.
Mr. Eglof reaffirmed Switzerland’s dedication to aligning Nigeria’s practices with global norms and promoting responsible conduct within the private security sector. He highlighted the importance of professional and accountable private security providers in contributing to safety, trust, stability, and sustainable development.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by Mrs. Asmau Shehu, commended Switzerland for its support in fostering responsible security governance in Nigeria. He noted that the initiative would enhance professionalism, accountability, and adherence to human rights standards in the private security sector, which plays a growing role in national safety.
The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), represented by Commandant Victoria Akpe, expressed the corps’ readiness to partner with ICoCA on training and operational standards. The NSCDC plans to align its training manuals with ICoCA standards and integrate responsible practices into its operations.
ICoCA’s Head of Communication, Chris Galvin, stated that the association’s code provides guiding principles for private security companies worldwide. The code, established in 2010, outlines standards for professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights.
Mr. Chinwike Okereke of AfriLaw noted that Nigeria is the second African country to launch an ICoCA chapter after Egypt and announced that the association would hold a conference in Nigeria in November.