Senate Rejects Bill to License Private Investigators in Nigeria

The Senate has rejected a bill that would have established licensing standards for private investigators in Nigeria.

Daily Report Nigeria reports that the bill was introduced by Senator Osita Ngwu, a Minority Whip Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP Enugu West).

It aimed to create a framework for licensing and regulating private investigators in the country.

However, it was rejected by most lawmakers during its second reading in the legislative chamber.

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Some senators, like Olalere Oyewumi and Victor Umeh, supported the bill, but others, including Adams Oshiomhole, Iya Abbas, and Mustapha Saliu, opposed it, saying it could lead to personal conflicts.

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The bill’s objectives included preventing and detecting fraud, managing corporate risks, and investigating insurance claims.

It also aimed to define the profession’s scope, establish standards, and promote industry-focused training.

Despite the rejection, Ngwu stressed the need for a system to ensure professional standards and conduct within the practice.

He believed that the role of private investigators is well-established in countries like the United (UK), the United States (US), Australia, and Canada.

Ngwu said:

“It defines the profession‘s scope, establishes standards, imposes penalties for negligence, criminalises unlicensed operations, and promotes industry-focused training.”