The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appealed to individuals and corporate organisations to support his administration’s efforts to improve security through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).
He made the call on Friday during a private breakfast meeting with selected managing directors and chief executives of companies in Ikoyi, organised by the LSSTF to raise funds for critical security needs projected for 2026.
According to the governor, the funds will be used to procure equipment including security helicopters, drones, armoured personnel carriers, water cannons and digital communication tools. Other priorities include smart CCTV cameras, vehicles, an ultra-modern mechanical workshop, as well as tactical training and infrastructure upgrades for the police.
Mr Sanwo-Olu said past contributions to the trust fund had been effectively deployed, helping to strengthen security agencies and improve public safety in the state. He added that the LSSTF model had since been adopted by other states and at the federal level.
The governor said the Lagos State Government continues to bear a significant share of security funding, accounting for more than half of annual expenditure, while emphasising transparency and accountability in the use of private sector donations.
He also revealed plans to upgrade the state’s Command and Control Centre and expand its surveillance infrastructure, including scaling up the installation of CCTV cameras as part of a wider “safe city” initiative. He said the administration was focused on improving the response capacity of first responders to ensure Lagos remains secure.
Addressing recent protests over demolitions in parts of Makoko, Mr Sanwo-Olu defended the government’s actions, saying they were carried out in the public interest and for safety reasons. He cited concerns over the proximity of informal settlements to the Third Mainland Bridge and nearby high-tension power lines, warning that the situation posed serious risks to lives.
The governor also criticised some non-governmental organisations, accusing them of exploiting vulnerable communities for financial gain, while insisting that the government’s interventions were aimed at improving living conditions rather than displacing residents.
In addition, Mr Sanwo-Olu announced plans to commission 35 junior and senior secondary schools in the Tolu area of Ajegunle, which he said would accommodate about 22,000 students. He also highlighted the resolution of the long-standing Okobaba sawmill issue, noting that the relocation of operators to Agbowa and the provision of housing had reduced recurring fire incidents in the area.
The governor said maintaining security was essential to sustaining investor confidence, adding that Lagos must continue to offer a safe and stable environment to attract new investments and secure its future growth.
