Sanwo-Olu Cares: Lagos Launches Free Transport Scheme for Police Officers

 Sanwo-Olu Cares: Lagos Launches Free Transport Scheme for Police Officers

…Personnel to enjoy three months of unlimited rides, 50% fare discount thereafter

The Lagos State Government has launched the Sanwo-Olu Cares Initiative for Police Officers, offering personnel of the Lagos State Police Command three months of free transportation across the state’s integrated transport network, followed by a 50 per cent fare discount.

The initiative, unveiled by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport and Logistics, is aimed at supporting police welfare and recognising the contribution of security personnel to maintaining peace and security in Lagos.

Under the scheme, beneficiaries will enjoy unlimited rides on the Blue Line and Red Line rail services, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and Electric Boats throughout the three-month free transportation period.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport and Logistics, Hon. Hassan Adekoya, disclosed this during a media interaction while accompanying police officers on a train ride as part of the launch.

Adekoya said the initiative was driven by the administration’s commitment to police welfare and its desire to encourage other stakeholders to support security personnel and their families.

He added that the gesture was also designed to commemorate three years of commercial operations on the Lagos Blue Line Rail.

> “It’s all about a campaign for police officers’ welfare. The Governor of Lagos State and Deputy Governor have championed the welfare of police, and it’s also a call to all the stakeholders in society to join the campaign for police welfare, police officers and police families.”

According to him, the transport intervention formed part of a series of welfare programmes implemented by the administration, including health-related support and assistance to police families.

He called on other state governments and private sector organisations across the country to consider similar initiatives for police officers.

....AIG Commends Initiative, Says It Will Boost Police Morale

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, who represented the Inspector-General of Police at the event, commended the Lagos State Government for the initiative.

Akpanudom described the scheme as a practical demonstration of government’s commitment to police welfare, saying it would help reduce the financial burden of transportation on officers, particularly those who travel long distances to their places of work.

He said the initiative would also improve personnel morale and encourage them to deliver better services.

> “Welfare is very important to human performance. It will go a very long way to encourage the men to know that government cares, and in all they do, government appreciates them.”

The AIG added that the money officers would have spent on transportation could be conserved and used for other needs, thereby improving their overall welfare.

He further noted that the initiative would help strengthen the relationship between the police and members of the public, stressing that police officers are Nigerians and members of the communities they serve.

> “Police officers are Nigerians. They are members of the community, and we are not aliens. What we do is to protect Nigerians and other citizens, corporate bodies and even foreigners within our territory.”

Akpanudom said the initiative demonstrated the trust placed in the police by the state government and would encourage personnel to remain accountable and proficient in the discharge of their duties.

50% Fare Discount to Continue After Free Period

The AIG disclosed that the transportation benefit would continue after the initial three-month free period, with beneficiaries entitled to a 50 per cent fare discount on the state’s transport services.

He described the development as a welcome gesture that would improve police morale and demonstrate that their efforts were appreciated.

> “It shows that we are appreciated. So inevitably, we have to give back by improving our services and making whatever we do accountable and being very proficient in what we do.”

 Lagos Expands Welfare Support for Security Personnel

The transport scheme adds to other welfare programmes targeted at security personnel under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

These include free eye screening and eyeglasses for personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), as well as other health and welfare support initiatives for police officers and their families.

The state government said the transport intervention reflects its continued commitment to supporting security agencies and improving the welfare of personnel who contribute to the safety and security of Lagos residents.