The Lagos State Government has taken a significant step to recognise the sacrifices of traffic officers who lost their lives in active service, as it disbursed a total of ₦40 million to families of fallen personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) January 21, 2026 at the LASTMA headquarters, Oshodi.

The financial support was announced by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, during a financial presentation ceremony organised in honour of deceased LASTMA officers. According to him, the decision was inspired by reflections during LASTMA’s 25th anniversary celebration held on July 15, 2025.

At that anniversary event, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, openly acknowledged the dangers, challenges, and emotional toll faced daily by traffic officers on Lagos roads. The moment, Giwa explained, stirred deep concern within the state leadership and led to a policy decision to support families of officers who paid the ultimate price while on duty.

Following the governor’s approval, each affected family received ₦2 million. Giwa was careful to note that the gesture was not intended as compensation for loss, as no amount of money can truly equate to a human life. Instead, it was described as a tangible expression of gratitude, recognition, and honour for courage, duty, and sacrifice rendered to the state.

Quoting the governor, Giwa shared a reflective statement made during the anniversary: that in traffic management, the greatest victories are often unseen and the greatest praises remain unsung. This, he said, underscores the quiet heroism of LASTMA officers who work daily under intense pressure, public hostility, and life-threatening conditions.

He added that the presentation ceremony marked the fulfilment of the government’s promise after all necessary documentation and due processes were completed.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Olawale Musa, described the deceased officers as true heroes. He revealed that 17 LASTMA officers lost their lives in the previous year alone, highlighting the extreme risks associated with traffic management in a megacity like Lagos.

Musa cited troubling incidents, including officers being attacked with stones in Apapa and one officer being crushed to death by a trailer. He emphasised that traffic officers are human beings who deserve dignity, protection, and appreciation, not just criticism when things go wrong.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, also spoke at the ceremony, noting that the event was organised to honour the memories of the fallen officers and show solidarity with their families. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to improving road safety and implementing 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 ₦40 million support, marking a solemn but meaningful moment of recognition for those who served Lagos State until their final breath.

Some of the beneficiaries present included Mrs. Coker, Ola Adepeju, Arogundade Oladunni, Adeyemo Eniola, Falana Adeola, Bakare Fatima, Giwa Oyindamola, Dada Rebecca, Akinsemoyin Olasunbo, Sanni Oyeyemi, Junaid Deborah, Aladaba Adewunmi, Alimi Morenike, Omosebi Jumoke, Alowooye Mojisola, and Shittu Yetunde.