Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated that his administration will continually assist and support the Nigeria Police in protecting the lives and property of citizens.
Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance while receiving the Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) in his office, noting that Lagos would continue to provide security to ensure the society remains safe and peaceful.
Represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the Governor maintained that the Nigeria Police must be well funded, supported and trained to carry out its assigned responsibilities effectively, adding that providing equipment is critical for the institution to perform its assignment satisfactorily.
“Lagos State Government believes that the Nigeria Police must be well funded and well trained, to protect all of us. As such, the State is ready to assist the Police as Nigerians need to be protected. It is only logical that we do whatever we need to do, including training and equipping them”, Sanwo-Olu said.
“In Lagos, we understand that if the role of government is to protect the lives and property of citizens, we can’t joke with the police; and that is why we set up the Lagos State Security Trust Fund to assist with the provision of security apparatus, equipment and funds among others”, he added.
Speaking further, Sanwo-Olu enjoined the Nigerian Police Trust Fund to consider partnering with the Private Sector for funds to execute its various projects and rebuild, as well as refurbish its facilities.
He applauded the Inspector General of Police for being proactive on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) issue, noting the need for more private sector collaboration in equipping the police for better and enhanced performance.
Citing the security facility in Falomo Lagos as an example, Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the facility sits on massive assets in Lagos which can be re-developed to generate revenue through PPP.
Earlier in his remarks, the representative of the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund, CP Adepoju Ilori, stated that the Board Members were in the State on a fact-finding mission about the state of living and welfare of police personnel in Lagos.
He appreciated the Lagos State Government for its constant support through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund which has been a success story, saying “I make bold to say that the board appreciates you, we are proud of Lagos State when it comes to provision for security and other welfare facilities”.