Prince Michael A. Sam-Wobo is the lead consultant of Phoenix Risk Consult Ltd.
Armed with professional trainings and certification in different areas of risk management which include Professional Diploma and Advanced Professional Diploma (Distinction) in Security Management and Strategic Operations from the International Institute of Professional Studies (IIPS) to mention few, he leads a team of associates in Security Risk Management and Consulting.
With a proven track record of delivering customized security solutions for individuals, corporate bodies and public security organizations to mitigate identified risks,threats and vulnerabilities, he explains why it is necessary for companies to engage in appropriate background checks and many more in this interview with TOP NEWS…
Can you share your background as a risk consultant with specialization in vetting, background checks and due diligence. How many years of experience have you had?
Almost two decades ago, I made an incursion into the private security industry, after a period in the Lagos State public service as a political appointee, and the media.
I have always been passionate about the business of protecting lives and properties, so I had the opportunity to work for a security company owned by a British trained security practitioner, who wanted to start a private guard company in Lagos-Nigeria. I jumped at it, and became the company’s first Operations Manager. I worked there for many years and rose to the level of General Manager(Operations). I grew the company from a zero guard force and zero location level to an enviable level with several guards and locations across the South West, North Central and the North West.
After about twenty years in the Nigerian private Security Industry, I decided to establish a consulting practice with the core focus of my practice on Background Checks, Vetting and Due Diligence. Other ancillary services of our practice, include; Vehicle Tracking, Security Trainings and Advisories. We also facilitate the engagement of Armed Escort Services from our associates for interested clients.
In the course of my experience in private guard companies, I noticed some gaps regarding the due diligence procedures when engaging private security operatives or employing staff in other sectors whilst working with different clients. As they say, “every difficult situation calls for a solution”; that was where my intetest for verification got ignited and the rest is history.
Data shows there is a surge in kidnapping, identity theft, fraud and other vices. How can you proffer solution to organisations especially when it is obvious that Nigeria as a country still lacks proper records and criminal data base?
Yes, there is a surge in the level of criminality across the nation. This can be attributed to a lack of adequate deterrence. Some serious crimes do not have commensurate punitive measures here. Corrupt acts of a few bad eggs in law enforcement and gaps in the criminal justice system are some causes. In other climes, criminality is deterred with a stoic stand which metes out adequate punitive measures to offenders.
Another gap responsible for the high rate of criminality, can be connected to the erosion of values in our society as all manner of persons who display wealth, even if they are ill gotten, are celebrated.
Also, the proliferation of several databases is an obstacle to crime prevention strategy. To this end, centralising the national database is a measure that must be adopted.
At the moment, the law enforcement and security agencies like The FRSC, Correctional Service, Police, Central & Commercial Banks, FIRS, INEC, Immigration, Customs etc. all have their different databases. Efforts must be made to centralise the existing database of all these organisations by the Federal Government.
Government should through the legislative arm, enact laws that laws must make Background Checks and related services, compulsory for public and private organisations before hiring or related engagements.
Would you say that your industry has grown in terms of security checks for organisations, or still behind and why?
The verification industry in Nigeria is still growing and I believe its impact would be felt soon. The Federal Government should work with the Society for Professional Background Screeners(SPBS) to promote professional background screening in Nigeria. This society was borne out of the integrity concerns about Nigerians and the need to align with global trends.
In the UK for instance, to be employed, you must have a permit or National Insurance which serves as your identity for tax and other records. This document can be verified remotely using AI tools. How ready is your organisation in moving to this level, and do you keep records of those found wanting of identity theft and other breaches before handing them to law enforcement agencies to avoid a repeat case?
My organisation has fully subscribed to the aims and objectives of The Society for Professional Background Screeners(SPBS). We are also participating in all training programs and cerification process. The SPBS also educates members and practitioners on Data Protection Laws and its landscape at the local and global levels. The rise in the use of the internet has also been helpful to the verification industry as members are coming up to speed with new knowledge, skills and experience to navigate the terrain and help forge partnership with similar organisations across the globe.
What are your expectations from the government in terms of due diligence and how to mitigate against identity theft and other security breaches?
The government must increase its collaboration with SPBS to educate and sensitise members of the public. It is also necessary for the Federal Government in conjunction with SPBS to support and influence regulatory frameworks to ensure that verification of individuals or organisations is achieved.
Your advice to corporate organisations and other businesses that require such services?
Background Checks (Verification) and related services like Vetting and Due Diligence has helped to ensure that claims that include fake educational claims, criminal records, poor credit history, etc of individuals and organisations are verified to help the person or organisation hiring or desirous of work or business relationship make an informed decision before hiring such individuals or going into a business relationship with another organisation or entity.
Companies must make verification a part of their processes.
