The Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA), on Wednesday, inaugurated a technical and mechanical workshop to boost operational efficiency and improve service delivery.

The facility, located in Ijede, Ikorodu, is the first workshop established by the agency.

Speaking at the inauguration, the LNSA General Manager, Ifalade Oyekan, said the workshop would strengthen service delivery and improve officers’ operational readiness and mobility.

Mr Oyekan said the facility became necessary due to the recurring high cost of servicing the agency’s vehicles and operational equipment.

He noted that Governlr Babajide Sanwo-Olu had directed all agencies to ensure the prudent use of public funds and maintain accountability.

“We established this facility to ensure that our vehicles are properly serviced and kept in good condition to support effective patrol operations,” he said.

According to him, the workshop will also benefit residents through vehicle servicing and technical training opportunities for interested members of the community.

Mr Oyekan described the project as a pioneering initiative and disclosed plans to establish similar facilities in Badagry, Epe, Ikeja and Lagos Island.

He said the agency leveraged its pool of skilled mechanical professionals, making it possible to execute the project using in-house expertise.

“We have about 16 personnel who will work in the facility for now. With time, we will recruit more.

“We now have our own workshop where all agency vehicles can be serviced under proper monitoring and management approval,” he said.

The general manager thanked Mr Sanwo-Olu for his support in strengthening the agency’s operations and advancing community policing efforts across the state.

He also expressed appreciation to the traditional ruler and residents of the host community for providing land and support for the project.

The chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Lagos State House of Assembly, Stephen Ogundipe, commended the agency’s leadership for its innovation.

Mr Ogundipe said Lagos was taking proactive steps toward state policing, adding that many states viewed Lagos as a leading example.

He urged the agency’s communication department to intensify publicity efforts to further promote its activities and improve public awareness.

The Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, said the workshop would reduce government spending on repairs and servicing.

Mr Oyerinde, represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Sesan Ogundeko, praised the persistence of the agency’s management in pursuing the project.

According to him, an in-house workshop staffed by trusted professionals would significantly cut maintenance costs and improve operational efficiency.

He said: “We have gone round the facility, I am very impressed with what I have seen so far and this shows that they are ready.

“With this, we rest assured that they are not going to compromise on quality because only a well-serviced vehicle can deliver optimally.”

Representing Ikorodu Constituency II, Moshood Abiodun described the facility as a major step toward sustaining Lagos State’s security infrastructure.

He said the initiative demonstrated commitment to strengthening security systems, improving efficiency and promoting professionalism in safety management.

He said: “The establishment of this workshop will undoubtedly improve maintenance of operational assets, reduce downtime and further equip the agency.

“I am particularly proud that this strategic facility is situated in my constituency. I commend Governor Sanwo-Olu and the agency’s leadership.”

Mr Abiodun expressed hope that the workshop would become a centre of excellence, innovation and operational resilience for the state.

He also advocated expanding the facility’s services to function as a training hub for students and sister agencies.

The LNSA was established in 2016 to work with communities, the police and other security agencies in intelligence gathering and information sharing.

The agency currently operates across all 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas of Lagos State. 

(NAN)