Lagos resident, private firms donate ₦1.8bn to strengthen State Security Architecture

Efforts to strengthen security in Lagos State have received a major boost as a Lagos resident and several private firms contributed a combined ₦1.8 billion to support the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), signalling renewed public confidence in the government’s strategy to safeguard lives and property.

The LSSTF disclosed that it received ₦1,848,406,100 in cash donations, while ₦1,777,543,613.81 was deployed to fund critical security operations and interventions between November 2024 and November 2025.

The figures were presented on Thursday during the 19th Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor, held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island. Executive Secretary of the LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, delivered the activity report and outlined plans to broaden the Fund’s contributor base.

According to him, efforts to attract retail donations, particularly from young residents, are beginning to gain traction, with nearly 240 individuals donating ₦38 million in the past four weeks alone.

“Under my stewardship, the Fund will continue to pursue donations from public and private entities, including individuals. We are intensifying efforts to attract retail donations,” Ogunsan said.

He commended the Lagos State Government for demonstrating “exemplary leadership” through an in-kind donation of 217 vehicles, which were equipped with communication systems and security devices before their deployment across agencies.

The Fund also received two additional vehicles from Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) and procured seven buses and two 15-ton troop carriers, bringing the total number of vehicles deployed in 2025 to 228.

Ogunsan noted that these assets significantly improved mobility, response time and territorial coverage for security operatives across the state.

Beyond vehicle provision, the LSSTF executed several operational interventions during the year, including supplying 1,500 pairs of black leather boots, 2,000 police uniforms, 100 rechargeable flashlights, 100 vehicle batteries, eight drums of SAE 40 lubricant, and 50 life jackets. The Fund also installed transparent polyvinyl synthetic rubber flooring in 60 Rapid Response Squad (RRS) patrol vehicles, trained 220 police personnel, and provided diesel, repairs and routine servicing for Marine Police gunboats.

The Fund further undertook the refurbishment of 46 security vehicles and carried out extensive mechanical repairs on 52 others, enhancing operational readiness across Lagos’ security formations.

Ogunsan stressed that the evolving nature of threats demands continuous investment in equipment, logistics and technology.

“As threats evolve, so must our preparedness. Agencies require improved protective gear, communication tools, vehicles, surveillance assets and modern equipment aligned with the realities of 2025,” he said.

“Our goal is to keep Lagos ahead of emerging threats by ensuring our security agencies are well-equipped and well-supported.”

In his keynote address, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the theme of this year’s Town Hall Meeting—“Building Trust, Enhancing Security, and a New Era of Security and Partnership”—captures the core philosophy guiding the LSSTF and his administration’s security vision.

He emphasised that safety is a shared responsibility, rooted in partnership among government, the private sector and residents.

“Security remains the foundation upon which everything else rests—economic growth, social development and quality of life,” the governor said.

“The scale and complexity of Lagos demand a security architecture that is proactive, adaptive and resilient.”

Sanwo-Olu also praised President Bola Tinubu’s broader national security reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that improved intelligence coordination, enhanced welfare for security personnel, and greater integration of technology are strengthening internal security nationwide.

“The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has become a national reference point for how sub-national innovation can complement federal policy direction,” he said.

“Our investments anticipate and reinforce the President’s call for smarter security financing, burden-sharing and deeper partnership among government, security institutions and the private sector.”

Other panelists at the meeting included Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Oluyinka Olumide; CEO of Chocolate City, Mr. Abuchi Peter Ugwu; Professor of Geography, Prof. Samuel Iyiola Oni; and Dr. Amina Olohunlana, all of whom underscored the need for sustained collaboration, innovation and inclusivity in building a secure and prosperous Lagos.