Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, calls on individuals and corporate organisations to support funding for critical security needs in the state, as he reaffirms his administration’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and investments across Lagos.
Speaking at a private breakfast meeting with selected managing directors and chief executive officers in Ikoyi, organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Sanwo-Olu says sustained collaboration with the private sector is essential to strengthen security infrastructure and response capacity, according to Mediaplusng.com.
The governor explains that funds raised will be deployed to priority areas, including multipurpose security helicopters, surveillance drones, armoured personnel carriers, water cannons, tactical training, police infrastructure upgrades, smart CCTV cameras, digital communication systems, patrol vehicles, and an ultra-modern mechanical workshop.
He notes that the Lagos State Government continues to shoulder over half of annual security funding but stresses that private sector support remains vital. Sanwo-Olu says the transparency and accountability model of the Security Trust Fund has earned public confidence and inspired similar frameworks across the country, as reported by Mediaplusng.com.
Sanwo-Olu says the state is rebuilding its Command and Control Centre with advanced technology to improve coordination, intelligence gathering, and emergency response. He adds that the Safe City initiative, which includes the installation of thousands of CCTV cameras, is being expanded to cover more areas of the metropolis.
The governor emphasises that Lagos must stay ahead of evolving security threats, noting that improved rescue capacity is critical for first responders, especially in a densely populated and economically active state like Lagos.
Addressing recent protests over demolitions in parts of Makoko, Sanwo-Olu insists that the government’s actions are guided strictly by public safety concerns. He explains that unregulated settlements had expanded dangerously close to the Third Mainland Bridge and high-tension power lines, posing a serious risk of mass casualties.
He says the demolition was not intended to punish residents but to prevent potential disasters that could claim hundreds of lives. The governor adds that previous engagements with international and non-governmental organisations on redevelopment plans failed to yield concrete support.
Sanwo-Olu criticises what he describes as exploitative practices by some NGOs, accusing them of using the plight of vulnerable communities to attract donor funds without delivering real solutions. He assures residents that the government’s priority remains improving living conditions and safeguarding lives.
The governor reiterates that his administration does not take relocation or demolition decisions lightly, stressing that safety, order, and long-term urban planning guide all such actions.
On education infrastructure, Sanwo-Olu announces plans to commission 35 new junior and senior secondary schools in the Tolu area of Ajegunle next month. He says the schools will accommodate over 22,000 students and significantly reduce overcrowding in public classrooms.
He describes the project as part of a broader strategy to invest in human capital development, especially in densely populated communities, where access to quality education remains a challenge.
Sanwo-Olu also highlights the successful resolution of the long-standing Okobaba sawmill issue, recalling how frequent fires and environmental hazards plagued the area for years. He explains that the government relocated the sawmill operators to Agbowa after a prolonged process that cost billions of naira.
According to him, the state provided over 500 newly built houses for affected families, ensuring a safer and more organised environment. He says the experience shows that difficult urban challenges can be resolved through persistence, planning, and significant investment.
The governor links security, education, and urban renewal to economic growth, stressing that a safe and orderly Lagos is essential to attract local and foreign investors. He says several investors are already considering new projects in the state, making it imperative to maintain a secure and stable environment.
Sanwo-Olu assures business leaders that Lagos remains committed to policies that protect investments, encourage growth, and secure the future of residents. He urges continued partnership between government and the private sector to build a safer, more resilient megacity.
He concludes by reaffirming that while the government continues to tackle complex urban and social challenges, ensuring the safety of Lagosians remains a top priority, as security underpins development, prosperity, and public confidence.
