The Lagos State Government has disbursed N40m to families of personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority who died in active service.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, disclosed this on Wednesday at LASTMA’s financial presentation ceremony held in honour of its fallen officers.
Giwa said the decision followed the 25th anniversary of LASTMA on July 15, 2025, when the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was moved by the challenges, hazards and sacrifices associated with the work of the agency’s officers.
He said the governor subsequently approved that the families of personnel who died in service should receive N2m each as a mark of recognition for their courage and sacrifice.
“The governor said something profound that day, that in traffic management, the greatest victories are often unseen, and the greatest praises unsung.
“The governor graciously approved that the families of our personnel, who died in active service, be supported with N2,000,000 each, but not as payment for their loss.
“This is because no value can equal the price of a life, but as a tangible expression of state recognition for duty, courage, and sacrifice,” he said.
He added that the ceremony was held to fulfil the commitment after the completion of necessary documentation and due process.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr Olawale Musa, said the officers being celebrated were heroes who paid the ultimate price in the course of duty.
Musa said 17 LASTMA officers died last year, highlighting the risks faced by traffic officials on Lagos roads.
He cited instances where officers were stoned in Apapa and one crushed to death by a trailer, stressing that they were human and deserved better protection and recognition.
“We have people who do not recognise the activities of officers a lot of time but its only when they misbehave that we complain but they face challenges on a daily basis,” he said.
Earlier, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the event was organised to honour the memories of the deceased officers and stand in solidarity with their families.
He said the agency remained committed to improving safety on the roads and preventing future tragedies.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that 20 families benefited from the support.
NAN
