Nigerian Senate Rejects Bill to Regulate Private Investigators

A proposed bill seeking to regulate and provide legal backing for private investigators in Nigeria failed to pass its second reading in the Senate on Wednesday.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu), aimed to establish standards and licensing conditions for private investigators. Its objectives included:

1. Fraud prevention and detection

2. Corporate fraud and risk management services

3. Insurance fraud and claims investigation

4. Aviation accident and loss investigation

5. Marine loss investigation

6. Occupational health and safety incident investigation

7. Witness location and bail bond defaulters

Supporters, including Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra) and Neda Imaseun, argued the bill would fill gaps left by existing security agencies and align with global best practices.

However, opponents raised concerns about potential privacy infringement. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) warned it could be exploited by political enemies, while Aminu Iya Abbas (PDP-Adamawa) saw it as duplicating existing security agencies’ efforts. Others, like Titus Zam (APC-Benue) and Salihu Mustapha (APC-Kwara), noted the country’s sufficient investigative capacity and cited international debates on private investigators’ role in privacy invasion.

Following the debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio asked Senator Ngwu to either put the bill to a vote or withdraw it for further consultation. Ngwu opted to withdraw the bill.