Senate Rejects Bill To License Private Investigators

The Senate has halted consideration of a proposed bill to establish licensing standards and regulations for private investigators in Nigeria.

The bill, introduced by Senate Minority Whip Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP Enugu West), was rejected by most lawmakers during its second reading in the legislative chamber.

In his presentation, Senator Ngwu outlined that the bill aimed to create a framework for licensing and regulating private investigators in the country. He emphasised the need for a system to ensure professional standards and conduct within the practice.

Ngwu pointed out that the role of private investigators is well-established in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada. He noted that many private investigators come from law enforcement, military, or intelligence services backgrounds and highlighted a global trend toward formal licensing to uphold ethical standards.

The bill‘s objectives include preventing and detecting fraud, managing corporate risks, investigating insurance claims, examining aviation and marine incidents, and locating witnesses and bail bond defaulters,“ he explained. „It defines the profession‘s scope, establishes standards, imposes penalties for negligence, criminalises unlicensed operations, and promotes industry-focused training.“
Ngwu stressed that the bill aims to professionalise the private investigation sector without imposing financial burdens.

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However, during the debate, while Senators Olalere Oyewumi and Victor Umeh voiced their support for the bill, others, including Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Iya Abbas, and Mustapha Saliu, opposed it, labelling it a potential catalyst for personal conflicts.

Recognising the prevailing opposition among Senators, President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio advised Ngwu to withdraw the bill and seek further consultations before reintroducing it in the future, a recommendation that Ngwu promptly accepted.