By Campaign for Dignity in Governance
The Campaign for Dignity in Governance has commended the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for continuing to strengthen governance initiatives aimed at making Lagos safer, more responsive and better prepared for the challenges facing its growing population.
One of the latest developments deserving attention is the launch of the Lagos State Gender-Based Violence Prevention Policy, an initiative unveiled on September 24, 2026, as part of the state’s broader efforts to tackle gender-based violence.
The new policy represents an important shift in approach. Rather than focusing only on responding after violence has occurred, the state is placing greater emphasis on prevention, early intervention, public education and addressing the behaviours and social conditions that can contribute to violence.
For a state as large and diverse as Lagos, prevention is particularly important. Families, schools, communities, religious institutions, traditional leaders, civil society organisations and government agencies all have roles to play in creating environments where dignity, respect and safety are protected.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency reported that it handled 33,009 cases between September 2021 and July 2026, including cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, rape, defilement and sexual harassment. The figure demonstrates the scale of the challenge and the importance of strengthening both prevention and response mechanisms.
The Campaign for Dignity in Governance believes that governance should ultimately be measured not only by roads, bridges and physical infrastructure, but also by how effectively government protects people, strengthens institutions and responds to issues affecting everyday life.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s recent attention to public safety has also been evident in his September 29 meeting with security chiefs at the State House, Marina. The meeting reviewed security operations and plans to strengthen the state’s security architecture as Lagos prepares for increased activities and a larger influx of residents and visitors during the coming months.
These developments reflect the importance of maintaining security and social protection alongside Lagos’ continuing infrastructure and economic development agenda.
CDG also recognises that governance is an ongoing responsibility and that every policy must ultimately translate into practical improvements for residents. The success of initiatives such as the GBV Prevention Policy will therefore depend on effective implementation, coordination among agencies, adequate public awareness and the ability of residents to access protection and justice when they need it.
Lagos is a complex megacity, and governing it requires constant attention to emerging challenges. From security and transportation to environmental management, economic development and protection of vulnerable residents, the demands on the state government remain significant.
The Campaign for Dignity in Governance therefore appreciates the Sanwo-Olu administration for continuing to introduce and strengthen initiatives in these areas.
As Lagos moves forward, CDG encourages continued emphasis on policies that place residents at the centre of governance, protect human dignity and build a safer, more inclusive and more resilient city.
The people of Lagos deserve a government that listens, responds and continues to improve its systems. Recent developments show that these responsibilities remain firmly on the governance agenda.
Campaign for Dignity in Governance (CDG)
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