The commitment of Lagos State to strengthening security across Nigeria’s commercial capital received fresh commendation on Monday as the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, hailed Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for donating 100 new patrol vehicles to security agencies operating in the state.
The IGP gave the commendation during his special visit to the Lagos House, Marina, where he held strategic discussions with the Governor and top officials, including the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan. The visit followed the governor’s announcement of the new assets at the 19th Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security organised by LSSTF.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Sanwo-Olu revealed that the vehicles were jointly procured by the Lagos State Government and Conference 57, the body of local government chairmen in the state. He said the gesture represents a renewed resolve to enhance safety for residents, protect investments, and maintain Lagos as the country’s economic hub.
He emphasized that building a secure state requires sustained synergy among government institutions, security agencies, private sector players, and citizens, describing security as a shared responsibility rather than a government-only enterprise.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also reiterated that the intervention aligns with the Security and Governance pillar of his administration’s THEMES+ Agenda. According to him, Lagos remains determined to complement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national security reforms through localized strategies that address urban security challenges.
In response, IGP Egbetokun praised Lagos for consistently setting the pace in subnational support to federal security structures. He described the state’s approach as “a national model” for security collaboration between government and the private sector.
The Police Chief noted that the 100 patrol vehicles and other support interventions would greatly enhance operational mobility, reduce response time to distress calls, and improve the overall efficiency of policing across the state. He said the reinforcement was particularly timely as Lagos prepares for increased human and vehicular traffic during the festive period.
Egbetokun also commended the Lagos State Security Trust Fund for sustaining its reputation as one of the most effective security-support institutions in the country, adding that its annual town hall meetings have contributed significantly to accountability and transparency within the security ecosystem.
This year’s town hall meeting, themed “Building Trust, Enhancing Security: A New Era of Security and Partnerships,” brought together an impressive assembly of national leaders, state executives, security chiefs, industrialists, and traditional rulers.
The event provided a platform for stakeholders to review security trends, evaluate the state’s multi-agency strategies, and explore new avenues for strengthening partnerships in the face of rising urban and technological challenges.
Among the notable guests were the Chairman of the LSSTF Board, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi Etti, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, and Chief Kessington Adebutu, represented by JB Farms MD/CEO, Mr. Ajibola Adebutu. Their presence underscored the strong corporate backing for Lagos’ security framework.
Also present were the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, both of whom commended the collaborative spirit driving the state’s security agenda.
Other high-profile attendees included Coronation Group Chairman, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Providus Bank MD, Walter Akpani; Zone II Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Adegoke Fayoade; Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh; and Access Bank CEO, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna.
The event also drew key figures from the Lagos State Government, including the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro; Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; and NIMC Director-General, Mrs. Bisoye Coker. They were joined by the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, represented by Hon. Stephen Ogundipe.
Notably, former LSSTF leaders such as Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun, and pioneer Executive Secretary, Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey, also graced the occasion, offering continuity and insight into the evolution of security funding in Lagos.
Diplomats from China, Cameroon, Canada, and the United States were equally in attendance, reflecting the international community’s interest in Lagos’ security innovations and economic stability.
Traditional institutions were represented by the Alara of Ilara, HRM Oba Ogunsanwo, alongside chairmen of the Lagos Conference 57. Their participation further underscored the inclusive approach required to secure a rapidly expanding metropolis like Lagos.
As the 19th edition of the Town Hall Meeting came to a close, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening partnerships that will keep Lagos secure, livable, and prosperous for its over 20 million residents.
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