Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on chief executive officers in Nigeria’s financial and corporate sectors to increase their support for the Lagos State Security Trust Fund,LSSTF, as the state moves to upgrade its security architecture with advanced technology and intelligence systems.
The Governor made the call at a private breakfast meeting organised by the LSSTF for bank CEOs and industry leaders in Lagos, where he said the growing complexity of security threats demands a more robust, technology-driven response.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos must avoid complacency, noting that the LSSTF’s transparent and accountable public-private partnership model has remained critical to maintaining relative safety in the state for nearly two decades.
He disclosed that the state is currently overhauling its Command and Control Centre, originally built more than 15 years ago, to transform it into a modern operations hub capable of integrating thousands of CCTV feeds, emergency calls, and multi-agency field operations in real time.
According to the Governor, although Lagos initially planned to deploy between 5,000 and 10,000 CCTV cameras, fewer than 1,000 have been installed so far due to funding and technological constraints.
“We need to scale up massively. Cameras have become as important as patrol vehicles. Lagos must not fall behind,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also revealed that the state is strengthening its aerial surveillance capacity through helicopters, drones, and marine monitoring systems to enhance emergency response, search-and-rescue operations, and security coverage of high-density and waterfront communities.
He stressed that security funding cannot be left solely to government, adding that the private sector benefits directly from a stable and secure business environment. The Governor noted that the Lagos State Government currently provides more than half of the state’s security expenditure, supporting the Nigeria Police, military formations, FRSC, NDLEA, NSCDC and other agencies with vehicles, communication equipment, protective gear, and logistics.
Highlighting Lagos’ rapidly expanding skyline and population, Sanwo-Olu said investment in modern surveillance and intelligence tools has become urgent to protect lives, assets, and infrastructure.
The Governor also introduced the newly appointed Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the LSSTF, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, describing him as a committed security professional with strong operational and strategic expertise. He praised the continuity and transparency of the LSSTF Board, noting that consistent accountability has sustained donor confidence over the years.
Earlier, Dr. Ogunsan said private sector support remains vital for the LSSTF to meet rising security demands in Lagos. He listed key priorities for 2026 to include multipurpose security helicopters and drones, armoured personnel carriers, water cannons, smart CCTV cameras, digital communication equipment, tactical training, operational vehicles, and infrastructural upgrades for the police.
He urged business leaders to view security as a strategic investment rather than a cost, stressing that a secure environment enables uninterrupted operations, investor confidence, and economic growth.
Dr. Ogunsan also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his sustained support to the Fund, noting that while the state has contributed significantly to meeting security needs, greater collaboration with the private sector is required to keep Lagos safe and economically resilient.
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