The Lagos State Government has introduced a three-month free transportation scheme for police officers serving in the state as part of efforts to recognize their contribution to maintaining security and public order.
Under the initiative, 2,000 Cowry Cards were presented to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos on Wednesday. The cards will allow police personnel to travel at no cost on major services within the state’s integrated public transportation network for three months.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the FCID Annex, ASP Aminat Mayegun, disclosed this in a statement, saying the cards were formally handed over to Assistant Inspector-General of Police Simeon Akpanudom, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
The beneficiaries will have unlimited complimentary access to the Lagos Blue Line and Red Line rail services, electric water boats and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses during the three-month period.
Mayegun said the initiative was facilitated through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation Logistics and formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Blue Line rail service.
Beyond the three-month free transport period, the state government has proposed a 50 per cent fare reduction for police officers.
The state said the intervention was designed to acknowledge the sacrifices made by members of the Nigeria Police Force in protecting lives and property and maintaining peace across Lagos.
Akpanudom, who represented the Inspector-General at the event, conveyed the police leadership’s appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the gesture.
He commended the governor for what he described as continued support for police welfare, including interventions facilitated through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.
According to the AIG, reducing transportation costs would ease one of the everyday financial pressures faced by officers who travel across the sprawling metropolis in the course of their duties.
He also described the initiative as a morale booster, noting that police officers who receive better welfare support would be in a stronger position to carry out their security responsibilities.
Akpanudom said police personnel contribute not only to the protection of residents but also to creating a secure environment for businesses and visitors in Lagos.
He urged other state governments, corporate organizations and individuals to adopt similar measures by investing in the welfare of security personnel.
The police officer argued that adequate welfare support was essential to improving the effectiveness of security agencies, adding that a well-supported workforce would be better positioned to discharge its responsibilities.
He further commended Air Peace for supporting police personnel through rebates on both domestic and international flights, as well as special boarding arrangements for officers.
Akpanudom said the transportation initiative would also deepen cooperation between the Lagos State Government and the police, particularly in the shared responsibility of ensuring public safety and good governance.
The scheme, therefore, provides immediate relief from transport expenses for participating police officers while reinforcing the state government’s broader efforts to support security personnel working across Lagos.
