Lagos Gives N40m to Families of Fallen LASTMA Heroes

The Lagos State Government has disbursed N40 million to the families of personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) who died in active service.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, revealed this on Wednesday at LASTMA’s financial presentation ceremony honoring its fallen officers.

He explained that the decision followed LASTMA’s 25th anniversary on July 15, 2025, when Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was moved by the challenges, hazards, and sacrifices of the agency’s officers.

Giwa said: “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.”

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, described the officers as heroes who paid the ultimate price in duty. He said 17 LASTMA officers died last year, citing examples of officers being stoned in Apapa and one crushed by a trailer.

“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.

LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, added that the event was organized to honor the memories of the deceased officers and support their families. A total of 20 families benefited from the N40 million disbursement.

The ceremony underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to road safety and recognition of the courage and sacrifices of its traffic officers.