The Lagos State Government has disbursed a total of N40 million to families of personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) who lost their lives while on active duty.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, disclosed this on Wednesday during LASTMA’s financial presentation ceremony held in honour of its fallen officers. The event was organised to recognise the sacrifices of traffic personnel who died in the line of duty and to support their families.
Giwa explained that the gesture followed the 25th anniversary celebration of LASTMA, held on July 15, 2025, during which the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was deeply moved by the risks, hazards and challenges faced daily by officers of the agency.
According to him, the governor subsequently approved that families of officers who died in active service should receive N2 million each as a mark of recognition for their courage and commitment.
“The governor said something profound that day: that in traffic management, the greatest victories are often unseen, and the greatest praises unsung,” Giwa said.
“He graciously approved that families of our personnel who died in active service be supported with N2,000,000 each, not as payment for their loss—because no value can equal the price of a human life—but as a tangible expression of the state’s recognition of duty, courage and sacrifice.”
He added that the presentation ceremony was held after the completion of all necessary documentation and due process to ensure transparency and accountability.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Olawale Musa, described the deceased officers as heroes who paid the ultimate price while serving the state.
Musa revealed that no fewer than 17 LASTMA officers died last year alone, underscoring the dangers associated with traffic management duties on Lagos roads. He cited several incidents, including officers being attacked with stones in Apapa and one officer who was crushed to death by a trailer.
“These officers are human beings who face enormous challenges daily,” he said. “Often, their efforts go unrecognised, and it is only when issues arise that people complain. They deserve better protection, appreciation and respect.”
Earlier, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the ceremony was organised to honour the memories of the fallen officers and to stand in solidarity with their families.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to improving road safety and strengthening measures aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a total of 20 families benefited from the financial support disbursed by the state government.
