The Lagos 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.


A spokesperson for the police in Lagos, Aminat Mayegun, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, disclosed this in a statement.


Ms Mayegun said 2,000 Cowry Cards were formally handed over to AIG Simeon Akpanudom, FCID Annex, Lagos.


She said the cards would provide police personnel with 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).


Ms 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.


Mr Akpanudom, who represented the inspector-general of police, Tunji Disu, at the launch, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his continued support for the welfare of police officers.


The AIG said the gesture demonstrated the Lagos 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,” Mr Akpanudom said.


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


Mr Akpanudom also acknowledged other initiatives undertaken by the state government to support the Nigeria Police Force and improve officers’ welfare. He said affordable, reliable transportation would reduce the daily travel burden faced by police officers travelling across the state.


According to him, the initiative would also boost morale among personnel carrying out their security responsibilities.


Mr Akpanudom further appreciated Air Peace for its continued support for the police through rebates for police officers. He said the airline had provided rebates on local and international routes, alongside special boarding preferences for police personnel.

(NAN)