The Lagos State Government has disbursed ₦40 million to the families of personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority who died while in active service.

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 the fallen officers.

Giwa said the gesture followed the agency’s 25th anniversary celebration on July 15, 2025, when the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was deeply moved by the hazards and sacrifices associated with the duties of LASTMA officers.

According to him, the governor subsequently approved the payment of ₦2 million each to the families of personnel who lost their lives in service, 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 ₦2,000,000 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,” Giwa said.

He added that the presentation ceremony was organised to fulfil the commitment after the completion of all necessary documentation and due process.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Olawale Musa, described the deceased officers as heroes who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

Musa revealed that 17 LASTMA officers died last year, underscoring the dangers traffic officials face on Lagos roads. He cited cases of officers being stoned in Apapa and one crushed to death by a trailer, stressing that they deserved better protection and recognition.

“We have people who do not recognise the activities of officers a lot of the time, but it is only when they misbehave that we complain. Yet, they face challenges daily,” he said.

Earlier, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the ceremony was organised to honour the memories of the deceased officers and to stand in solidarity with their families.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to improving road safety and preventing similar tragedies in the future.