Fashola: I never received security votes as Lagos governor

Former Lagos governor Babatunde Fashola says he never received security votes during his eight years in office, insisting Lagos funded security through transparent budgeting, public accountability and private-sector support.

Former Lagos State governor Babatunde Fashola has stirred fresh debate over the controversial issue of security votes, declaring that he never received such funds throughout his eight years in office.

Speaking during a panel discussion on governance, democracy and security at The Platform, Fashola challenged the widespread belief that governors routinely receive discretionary security funds outside public scrutiny.

“This security vote thing, whenever I hear some of my colleagues talk about it, I don’t know what it means because I never had it in Lagos.

“I was the governor, so I speak for what I know. There was no security vote. All our acquisitions were domiciled in the ministry of budget and planning,” he said.

Daily Trust reported that the former governor of Lagos funded security operations through transparent budgetary allocations and contributions from residents and the private sector rather than through opaque security vote arrangements.

“So, when you say governors received security votes, I don’t know if Saraki as Governor of Kwara State got that kind of money. I didn’t get it, and I don’t know where they were getting it from,” he added.

Fashola explained that his administration adopted a structured approach to tackling crime, anchored on regular security reviews, data analysis and stakeholder collaboration.

“Back in the day, we used to have a monthly security meeting. It was held every first Wednesday of the month for eight years, and I never missed that meeting,” he said.

He highlighted the role of the Lagos Security Trust Fund, noting that individuals and corporate organisations contributed resources to strengthen security operations. He added that the fund’s accounts and assets were regularly audited, while residents were updated annually on crime trends and security outcomes.

“The accounts and assets were audited, and every year we came to a town hall like this,” he said.

Fashola also argued that fighting crime requires more than weapons, stressing that policy reforms are equally important.

“It wasn’t just a battle won with arms and guns; it was also a battle won with policies,” he noted.

Also speaking at the event, former Senate President Bukola Saraki said discussions on security votes should not distract from the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.