Security business… get it right!

The business trend of today in Nigeria is that people tend to follow what every one else does… its like a domino effect – one falls after the other.

There is nothing really wrong in wanting to go into the security business… it’s only vital that you ‘get it right.’ There are so many security businesses in Nigeria and many are just not getting it right.

When security management is done well the customer is happy, referrals comes and most importantly there’s increase in profitability.

Many customers fall victim to poorly managed security firms because the management has not obtained sufficient experience and knowledge about the security industry. In the UK where we started our facilities management business, we had to obtain a certificate before we could fully practise. Directors of security firms in the UK are required to go through Security Industry Association (SIA) training. So, businesses in the UK that offers security guards to businesses as services are to ensure that all their operatives obtain an SIA licence badge (Security Industry Authority) – the badge is mandatory and operatives go through a rigourous training exercise before the badge is issued – guards without SIA cannot work for a security firm, it is simply against the law.

If this type of mandatory regulations are enforced in Nigeria certainly many security businesses would be forced into ‘getting it right.’

Are you thinking of starting a security business? … I believe the points below would get you started on a positive step in getting your business right:

– Training

– Register with the mandatory agencies

– Equip your operatives correctly

– Supervision and management

– Get insurance

– Uniform professionally

– Employ experienced operatives

– Pay on time

• Get fully involved… it’s your business

• Get more training

MICHAEL K OJO