The Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, has renewed its commitment to supporting maritime policing and strengthening safety across Lagos waterways following the maiden official visit of its Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, to the Maritime Police Command in Lagos. During the visit, Ogunsan donated 30 ballistic helmets, 30 bulletproof vests, 30 operational boots and 30 raincoats to the Command, while also pledging a new patrol pickup vehicle within one month.
Ogunsan said the intervention was designed to reinforce the work of officers responsible for securing the waterways and coastal environment. “My visit to the Maritime Police Command today is simply to strengthen the good work they are doing. They’ve done excellently well in keeping our waterways very safe. And as a way of saying thank you to the good work they’ve done, that’s what brought me here today.” The intervention comes at a time when water transportation remains an important part of Lagos’ plans to expand mobility and reduce pressure on the road network.
AIG Ronke Nurat Okunade, who received the LSSTF delegation, said the Command would deploy the equipment responsibly. “We received it with an open heart, to use it professionally, to be accountable to the people we are serving.” She said the Command would maintain its presence along coastal corridors during the ember months and the forthcoming electoral period. “I can assure you that coastal environment is safe during the Ember Months. Moreover, now we have been empowered with the protective gears that we have just been given. As I said earlier, we are going to make wise and best use of it.”Okunade also stressed the importance of local knowledge in maritime policing, noting that familiarity with waterways, coastal communities and operational corridors gives officers important situational awareness.
The Lagos State Government has identified safety and security concerns as among the constraints requiring attention if inland water transportation is to carry more passengers and goods. Nationally, waterways safety remains a major policy concern. NIWA says its marine responsibilities include safety enforcement, emergency response, surveillance, maritime security and search-and-rescue operations.