The Lagos State government says it has paid N4.5 billion in insurance claims to families of deceased local government, local council development areas and State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB) workers since 2019.

Special Adviser on Rural Development, Nurudeen Agbaje, disclosed this during the 2026 ministerial briefing held on Friday at Alausa, Ikeja.

Mr Agbaje said 338 insurance claims were presented to beneficiaries of deceased SUBEB and local government workers during the review period.

“Three hundred and thirty-eight insurance claims were presented to beneficiaries of deceased SUBEB and local government staff during the period under review.

“The sum of N4.5 billion has been paid to beneficiaries of deceased local government and SUBEB workers since Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assumed office,” he said.

Mr Agbaje said the ministry resolved 48 petitions involving councils and LCDAs and issued 36 administrative circulars to strengthen accountability and policy compliance.

“We resolved 48 petitions and complaints relating to activities of local governments and LCDAs while issuing 36 circulars to strengthen accountability in council administration,” he said.

He said the government sustained joint accounts allocation committee meetings to improve transparency and grassroots governance across the state.

Mr Agbaje said 53 rural water schemes were completed, while 35 transformers and five solar-powered streetlights were installed in underserved communities.

“We completed 53 water schemes across rural communities and installed transformers and solar-powered streetlights to improve electricity supply,” he said.

He added that 80 rural electrification projects were awarded statewide, with 42 completed and 38 ongoing across various communities.

According to him, community halls were constructed in Ikorodu, Badagry and Ibeju-Lekki to support community engagement and grassroots development.

Mr Agbaje said the ministry registered 279 community development associations and processed 642 renewal applications during the period under review.

He said the governor also approved a coordination centre for traditional rulers, council chairmen and community leaders to strengthen collaboration and peacebuilding.

Mr Agbaje disclosed that four traditional rulers were installed during the review period, while recognised Obas received welfare support packages and Yuletide gifts.

He said the ministry facilitated approvals for capital projects above N35 million and coordinated swearing-in ceremonies for elected council officials statewide.

Mr Agbaje added that orientation programmes were organised for newly elected political officeholders to improve governance and administrative efficiency at the grassroots level.

According to him, the administration remains committed to rural infrastructure, agriculture, electrification, water supply and community empowerment initiatives across Lagos communities. 

(NAN)