The Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF has intensified efforts to build international partnerships for security development, seeking stronger collaboration with the Chinese government, security institutions and Chinese-owned businesses operating in Nigeria.
Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan made the call during a courtesy visit to the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, as part of efforts to attract international expertise, technology, equipment and resources to strengthen Lagos’ security architecture.
The engagement followed the Fund’s recent outreach to the British and German diplomatic missions, reflecting Ogunsan’s drive to deepen international partnerships in support of security operations across the state.
During the visit, Ogunsan expressed appreciation for China’s longstanding support for Nigeria’s security institutions, particularly its training programmes for security personnel, and appealed for the continuation and expansion of such initiatives.
“We want to ask you, Ma, that you should continue with this training. An untrained officer is a serious disaster for our society,” he said.
He also sought greater access to Chinese expertise, technology and security equipment, including operational vehicles, motorcycles, boots, uniforms and other essential items. He identified Chinese companies operating in Lagos and Nigeria as potential partners in strengthening the capacity of security agencies.
Ogunsan specifically acknowledged the contributions of Chinese-linked companies, including CIG Motors and Dongfeng, noting that CIG Motors recently donated 10 operational vehicles to the LSSTF.
He further pledged to deploy one of the newly acquired police vehicles to strengthen security around the Chinese Consulate in Lagos, assuring the Consul General that the Fund would support efforts to protect the diplomatic facility.
Responding, Yan Yuqing pledged continued Chinese support, particularly in training and equipment, while expressing willingness to explore additional interventions in the coming year.
The Consul General also highlighted the potential role of Chinese businesses in supporting Lagos security through donations of vehicles, motorcycles, uniforms and boots.
She stressed that security was critical to sustaining investor confidence, particularly given the large number of Chinese businesses and nationals operating across Nigeria.
“Security is most important for all Chinese investment,” she said, while requesting increased police visibility around the Consulate, especially at night.
The engagement, according to Ogunsan, is part of a broader strategy to bring diplomacy, private enterprise, technology and training together in strengthening Lagos’ security architecture and creating a safer environment for residents, businesses and international partners.