The Lagos State Government has provided 2,000 Cowry Cards to police personnel in the state, giving beneficiaries three months of free travel on selected government transport services and a 50 per cent fare discount thereafter.
The cards, provided under the state’s transportation support programme, cover designated Lagos State Government transport services, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), electric boats, Blue Line and Red Line rail services.
The cards were presented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation and Logistics, Hassan Adekoya, to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who was represented at the presentation by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom.
Receiving the cards on behalf of the IGP, Akpanudom commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for the intervention and other measures aimed at supporting police welfare.
He said the transportation support would reduce the financial burden on police personnel and serve as a morale booster, while also strengthening cooperation between the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force.
The Assistant Inspector-General said improved welfare for police personnel was important to sustaining their effectiveness in carrying out their security responsibilities across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, said the 2,000 cards would be distributed to deserving officers through a fair and transparent process.
Fatai also assured that the cards would be used strictly for their intended purpose and that the Command would maintain accountability in the deployment of the benefit.
The intervention is expected to provide transportation relief for participating police personnel while further strengthening the partnership between the Lagos State Government and the police in support of security and public safety.