Sanwo-Olu Urges Bank CEOs, Private Sector to Fund Tech-Driven Security Upgrade in Lagos
By Staff Writer
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urges bank CEOs and private sector leaders to increase funding for LSSTF as Lagos plans a major tech-driven security upgrade involving CCTV, drones, and advanced surveillance systems.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on chief executive officers in Nigeria’s banking and corporate sectors to deepen their financial support for the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), stressing that Lagos must urgently upgrade its security infrastructure with advanced technology, intelligence, and rapid-response systems.
The Governor made the appeal at an LSSTF-organised private breakfast meeting with bank CEOs and industry leaders in Lagos, where he warned that the state cannot afford complacency amid increasingly complex security threats.
According to Sanwo-Olu, Lagos is entering a new phase of security management built around surveillance, intelligence gathering, and real-time coordination across agencies.
“Lagos is bigger, busier, and more exposed than ever. Our security architecture must evolve to match this reality,” the Governor said.
LAGOS TO UPGRADE COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRE
Sanwo-Olu revealed that the state is currently overhauling its Command and Control Centre, first built over 15 years ago, into a modern operations hub capable of integrating thousands of CCTV feeds, emergency calls, and multi-agency field operations in real time.
He disclosed that although Lagos initially planned to deploy between 5,000 and 10,000 CCTV cameras, fewer than 1,000 are currently operational due to funding and technological limitations.
“Cameras are now as important as patrol vehicles. They help us prevent, track, and respond faster,” he said, adding that Lagos must massively scale up its surveillance network.
Drones, Helicopters, and Marine Surveillance
The Governor also highlighted plans to strengthen aerial and marine surveillance using helicopters, drones, and monitoring devices to support emergency response, search-and-rescue missions, and waterfront security.
“Drones are no longer luxury tools. They are essential security assets. We are working with Nigerian innovators to build solutions tailored for Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu noted.
Private Sector Must Own Security Agenda
Emphasizing that security funding cannot rest solely on government, the Governor said the private sector benefits most from a safe and stable Lagos.
“Security is the backbone of investment. Your businesses, assets, staff, and operations all depend on a secure environment,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu added that the Lagos State Government currently shoulders more than half of the state’s security expenditure, providing vehicles, communication equipment, protective gear, and logistics support to the Police, military, FRSC, NDLEA, NSCDC, and other agencies.
OGUNSAN LISTS 2026 SECURITY NEEDS
Earlier, the newly appointed Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, said private sector-led funding is critical for the agency to meet growing security demands in 2026.
He listed priority needs to include:
Multipurpose security helicopters and drones
Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and water cannons;
Smart CCTV cameras and digital communication equipment,
Tactical training and infrastructure upgrades for the Police,
Operational vehicles and ultra-modern mechanical workshops.
“Security is not a cost to business; it is a risk-mitigation strategy and a business enabler,” Ogunsan said.
He assured contributors that all funds are deployed transparently and strategically, under the oversight of a predominantly private sector-led board.
Ogunsan also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his consistent support of the LSSTF, noting that the Governor has personally facilitated the provision of several critical security assets.
“We just need to do more, so Lagos can keep running safely and efficiently,” he said.
Lagos’ Global Ambition Depends on Security
Concluding his remarks, Sanwo-Olu stressed that Lagos’ aspiration to remain Africa’s leading economic hub depends on sustained investment in security technology.
“Our goal is a Lagos that is safe, resilient, and globally competitive. Security is a shared responsibility, and together, we must secure the future,” the Governor said.
