Lagos Security Fund Donates Vehicles to NRC, Opeifa Hails Sanwo-Olu’s Support

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has donated two operational vehicles to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as part of efforts to strengthen security around railway infrastructure and improve the protection of passengers and other critical national assets in the state.

The vehicles were formally handed over to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, at the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station, Ebute Metta, Lagos.
Presenting the vehicles, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, said the donation was part of the Lagos State Government’s continued support for security agencies and institutions operating within the state.

Ogunsan, who was accompanied by the Administrative Secretary of the Fund, Mr. Demola Lewis, explained that the intervention was designed to strengthen the operational capacity of security personnel attached to the railway and enable them to respond more effectively to incidents of vandalism, theft and other criminal activities along the railway corridor.
He commended the ongoing transformation within the NRC under the leadership of Opeifa, stressing that the state government considered it necessary to provide additional support to safeguard railway infrastructure and enhance operational effectiveness.

According to Ogunsan, the Nigeria Police Railway Command and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are expected to deploy the vehicles for railway security operations.
He, however, urged the security agencies to ensure judicious and responsible use of the vehicles.
He disclosed that the LSSTF has a monitoring mechanism to ensure that security assets donated by the Fund are deployed strictly for the purposes for which they were provided.
Ogunsan noted that responsible utilisation of the vehicles would further encourage the Lagos State Government and the Fund to consider additional support where necessary.

Opeifa Commends Sanwo-Olu
Responding, NRC Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government, particularly Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for its continued support and partnership with the Corporation.
Opeifa commended the governor for “keeping faith with the Corporation” and supporting its efforts to strengthen railway security and operations in Lagos.

He also praised the leadership and entire team of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund for their commitment, partnership and sustained support towards ensuring the safety and security of the railway system.
According to him, the donation would enhance the ability of security agencies attached to the railway to protect passengers, railway infrastructure and other critical assets more effectively.

Opeifa assured the Lagos State Government and LSSTF that the vehicles would be deployed strictly for the purposes for which they were donated.
Opeifa Calls for Wider State Support
The NRC helmsman also called on other state governments, particularly the 26 states where the Nigerian Railway Corporation has operational presence, to support efforts to protect railway infrastructure within their respective jurisdictions.

He stressed that stronger collaboration between the NRC, state governments and security agencies would facilitate quicker responses to vandalism, theft and other criminal activities affecting railway infrastructure.
Opeifa further made a personal donation to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and encouraged NRC staff, corporate organisations and residents of Lagos State to continue supporting the Fund’s efforts to make the state safer for residents and businesses.
Lagos Government Plans Roads, Solar Lighting
Beyond the donation of operational vehicles, Opeifa disclosed that the Lagos State Government had expressed readiness to rehabilitate some roads within the railway compound and install solar-powered streetlights after the completion of the planned road rehabilitation.
He also revealed that work was already ongoing on a major storm-water drainage project designed to channel water from the railway compound towards the Mile 2 lagoon.
According to him, the drainage project, which commenced earlier in the year, has significantly improved the environment around the railway compound and helped to address the perennial flooding previously experienced during periods of heavy rainfall.

Police Assures Responsible Use

Speaking on behalf of the security agencies, the representative of the Commissioner of Police, Nigeria Police Railway Command, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Yahaya Usman, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government and the LSSTF for the donation to the Nigeria Police Force and the NSCDC.
He assured that the vehicles would be deployed strictly for railway security operations and used responsibly to strengthen surveillance, patrol and rapid-response capabilities along the railway corridor.

The donation further highlights the growing partnership between the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Lagos State Government towards securing railway infrastructure, improving passenger safety and creating a safer operating environment for railway communities.
It also underscores the importance of sustained collaboration among government institutions, security agencies and other stakeholders in protecting critical national infrastructure and ensuring safer and more efficient railway operations in Lagos State.

By Mike Ochonma
mikeochonma@gmail.com