By DEBORAH AKPEDE and CHIAZO OGBOLU

The Lagos State Government has offered police officers three months of free transportation on the state’s integrated public transportation system.

The initiative, launched on Wednesday, recognises police officers’ sacrifices and contributions to maintaining peace and security across Lagos.

ASP Aminat Mayegun, Police Public Relations Officer, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, disclosed this in a statement.

Mayegun said 2,000 Cowry Cards were formally handed over to AIG Simeon Akpanudom, FCID Annex, Lagos, representing the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu.

She said the cards would provide police personnel unlimited complimentary access for three months to Lagos’ major integrated transport services.

According to her, beneficiaries would access the Blue Line and Red Line rail services, electric water boats and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

Mayegun said the initiative was conceived through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation Logistics.

She said the gesture formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Lagos Blue Line Rail.

The police spokesperson said the state government had proposed a 50 per cent fare discount for police officers after the complimentary period.

“The initiative is introduced in recognition of the sacrifices and contributions of police officers to peace and security in Lagos,” she said.

Akpanudom, who represented Disu at the launch, conveyed the Inspector-General’s appreciation to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the initiative.

He commended Sanwo-Olu for his continued support for the welfare of police officers serving across the state.

The AIG said the gesture demonstrated the state government’s recognition of police officers’ sacrifices in maintaining peace and protecting lives and property.

He said police officers also helped ensure a safe environment for residents, businesses and visitors across Lagos.

“This gesture demonstrates the state government’s recognition of the sacrifices made by police officers,” Akpanudom said.

He commended the Lagos Government for its sustained support for police welfare through interventions facilitated by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

Akpanudom also acknowledged other initiatives undertaken by the state government to support the Nigeria Police Force and improve officers’ welfare.

He said affordable and reliable transportation would reduce the daily transportation burden faced by police officers travelling across the state.

According to him, the initiative would also serve as a morale booster for personnel carrying out their security responsibilities.

Akpanudom further appreciated Air Peace for its continued support for the Nigeria Police Force through rebates for police officers.

He said the airline had provided rebates on local and international routes, alongside special boarding preferences for police personnel.

The AIG urged other state governments, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Lagos by investing in police welfare.

He said supporting security personnel remained essential to strengthening their capacity to perform their duties effectively.

“A well-supported police workforce would be better positioned to discharge its responsibilities effectively,” Akpanudom said.

He said the transportation initiative would further strengthen the partnership between the Lagos Government and the Nigeria Police Force.

Akpanudom said the partnership remained important to the collective pursuit of public safety, security and good governance in Lagos.

The initiative therefore provides immediate transportation relief for police officers while reinforcing the state’s broader partnership with security agencies. (NAN)

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