The Executive Secretary/CEO of Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan has identified the protection of Lagos’ waterways and maritime environment as an important component of efforts to safeguard economic activity and combat maritime crime and economic sabotage. On the air, on the road, on the rail, and on water, the LSSTF takes a holistic approach to security in Lagos State, which is Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.
He made the submission during his maiden official visit to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Maritime Police Command, AIG Ronke Nurat Okunade, in Lagos. The visit resulted in the donation of 30 ballistic helmets, 30 bulletproof vests, 30 operational boots and 30 raincoats, with Ogunsan also promising a new patrol pickup vehicle for the Command within one month.
According to Ogunsan, maritime policing has implications beyond the protection of waterways users. This is because Lagos’ maritime environment contains ports, terminals, coastal communities, transportation routes and other economic assets. “The mandate of the Maritime Command is very clear and simple. Safeguarding the national maritime domain, securing our waterways, combating maritime crime and also preventing economic sabotage.”
He added that effective maritime policing would support the work of other government institutions responsible for the maritime environment. “Considering the magnitude of their task and assigned responsibility, we feel this arm of the Nigerian Police Force, Maritime Police, should be supported.”A Lagos State Government resilience strategy ensures that Nigeria’s main seaports which are located in Lagos are protected. It also highlights the role of water transportation in moving people and goods across the city, which is Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and West Africa’s economic hub.
For AIG Nurat Okunade, the Maritime Police Command would continue to deploy officers along coastal corridors as it understands the strategic importance of its operating environment. “Maritime environment is a specialized environment of the Nigeria Police Force. The local knowledge of the environment you are policing will definitely be an advantage for you to get your work done seamlessly.”
Okunade said the newly donated protective equipment would strengthen officers’ ability to perform their duties. “I want to assure the Lagos State Security Trust Fund that we are going to put it in best use. To continue to do what we know how to do best.”
The LSSTF intervention is part of a broader model of public-private support for security agencies. The Fund was established in September 2007 as a public-private partnership to mobilise resources and address operational gaps confronting security agencies in Lagos.