• Ogunsan visits Chinese Consul General Yan Yuqing, pledges stronger security support for Consulate
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has intensified its drive for international partnerships, seeking stronger collaboration with the Government of China, its security institutions and Chinese-owned businesses to enhance security operations across Lagos.
The initiative gained momentum when the Executive Secretary/CEO of the LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, paid a courtesy visit to the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing.
The engagement forms part of Ogunsan’s broader diplomatic outreach aimed at attracting international expertise, technology, training and resources to strengthen Lagos’ security architecture. The LSSTF has also recently engaged diplomatic missions from the United Kingdom and Germany in pursuit of strategic partnerships.
During the meeting, Ogunsan commended China for its longstanding support to Nigeria’s security institutions, particularly through training and capacity-building programmes.
He praised Consul General Yan for her commitment to Lagos and Nigeria, noting that China’s support had extended beyond financial assistance to include training opportunities for Nigerian security and paramilitary personnel.
“You have done much more in kind for us than what money can buy. You have sent many of our uniformed operatives abroad on a regular basis,” Ogunsan said.
The LSSTF boss urged the Chinese government to sustain and expand its training programmes for Nigerian security personnel, stressing that continuous professional development remained critical to effective policing.
“We want to ask you, Ma, that you should continue with this training. An untrained officer is a serious disaster for our society,” he said.
Beyond training, Ogunsan sought increased access to Chinese technology, expertise and security equipment, including operational vehicles, motorcycles, boots, uniforms and other logistics required by security agencies.
He also identified Chinese companies operating in Lagos and across Nigeria as potential strategic partners in strengthening the state’s security capacity.
Ogunsan specifically acknowledged the contributions of companies such as CIG Motors and Dongfeng, noting that CIG Motors recently donated 10 operational vehicles to the LSSTF to support security operations in Lagos.
As part of the immediate outcome of the engagement, Ogunsan pledged to deploy one of the newly acquired police vehicles to strengthen security around the Chinese Consulate.
“You’ve done so much for us that we can’t leave you exposed to any kind of people. I will take responsibility for that,” he assured the Consul General.
Responding, Yan Yuqing expressed China’s readiness to deepen its support for Nigeria’s security sector, particularly in the areas of training and equipment.
“Of course, we will support more. So training is important. I am very glad that you are always interested in the young officers,” she said.
The Consul General disclosed that China had previously supported Nigerian security institutions and indicated willingness to explore additional interventions in the coming year.
She also highlighted the potential contribution of Chinese businesses to Lagos’ security architecture through the provision of vehicles, motorcycles, uniforms, boots and other essential equipment.
According to Yan, security remains a critical factor in sustaining Chinese investments in Nigeria, given the large number of Chinese businesses and nationals operating across the country.
“Security is most important for all Chinese investment,” she said, while requesting increased police visibility around the Consulate, particularly during nighttime.
“We also need your help. We need the Police around our embassy. I will also ask for the Ogun State Police to improve the security. There are around 1,000 Chinese companies,” she added.
The meeting underscored the growing importance of international cooperation in addressing the security needs of a rapidly expanding commercial and diplomatic hub such as Lagos.
For Ogunsan, the LSSTF’s international partnership drive goes beyond fundraising. It is aimed at building a sustainable security ecosystem where diplomacy, private-sector investment, technology, training and operational support work together to create a safer environment.
The initiative, he noted, is ultimately designed to strengthen public safety while sustaining the confidence of residents, businesses, investors and international partners who contribute to Lagos’ economic growth.