A bill aimed at regulating and providing legal backing for private investigators in Nigeria failed to progress beyond the second reading during Wednesday’s plenary session in the Senate. Titled “A Bill for an Act to Prescribe Standards and Conditions of License for the Operation and Practice of Private Investigators in the Country,” the legislation was sponsored by Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu).
The failure of the bill to pass was primarily due to concerns expressed by lawmakers regarding the potential misuse of the provisions it sought to establish. Many senators voiced fears that the bill would empower private individuals to invade the privacy of perceived political opponents.
During the debate, Senator Ngwu emphasized the diverse roles that private investigators could play. He explained that while some specialize in tracing missing persons, others focus on Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (ISCM), which involve detecting and neutralizing unauthorized electronic surveillance—such as hidden cameras or microphones used for industrial espionage.
Ngwu outlined several objectives of the bill, including fraud prevention, detection, assessment, and resolution; corporate fraud and risk management services; insurance fraud and claims investigation; aviation accident investigations; marine loss investigations; occupational health and safety incident investigations; and locating witnesses and bail bond defaulters.
Senator Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra) supported the bill, describing it as a well-considered proposal designed to fill gaps left by existing security agencies like the EFCC and ICPC. He asserted that effective due diligence could help ensure high-profile crimes do not go unaddressed. Similarly, Senator Neda Imaseun suggested that the bill would align Nigeria with best practices globally.
Conversely, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) strongly opposed the bill, warning that it could create an unchecked entity capable of infringing on personal privacy. He cautioned that such a provision could easily be exploited by political adversaries. Senator Aminu Iya Abbas (PDP-Adamawa) echoed these concerns, arguing that the bill would duplicate the functions of Nigeria’s existing security agencies.
Senator Titus Zam (APC-Benue) expressed his reservations about the bill, highlighting that Nigeria already has a sufficient number of investigators. He cautioned that the nation’s ethnic, religious, and political divisions could lead to misuse of the investigative powers proposed in the bill. Senator Salihu Mustapha (APC-Kwara) noted that even in developed countries like the U.S. and the UK, the role of private investigators is under scrutiny, suggesting that certain foundational elements, such as a national forensic institute, should be established before pursuing such legislation.
Following the debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio sought the opinion of Senator Ngwu regarding whether to proceed to a vote or withdraw the bill for further consultation. Ngwu opted to withdraw the bill, indicating his willingness to engage in additional legislative discussions on the matter.