Lagos state government gives police 2,000 cowry cards, offers 3-month free transport

The Lagos state government has launched a complimentary transportation scheme for police officers, providing 2,000 Cowry Cards to personnel to ease their daily commuting burden and boost morale.

The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, gives participating police officers three months of unlimited free transportation across the Lagos state integrated public transportation network.

The network covers the Blue Line and Red Line rail services, Electric Water Boats and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses.

At the launch, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom, represented the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and received the 2,000 Cowry Cards on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force.

The initiative, conceived through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation Logistics, is part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Lagos Blue Line Rail.

Speaking at the event, AIG Akpanudom conveyed the appreciation of the IGP to Lagos state Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the government’s recognition of the sacrifices made by police officers in maintaining peace and protecting lives and property.

He commended the state government for its continued support for police welfare through interventions facilitated by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) and other initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing and operational effectiveness of personnel.

The AIG said affordable and reliable transportation would significantly reduce the financial pressure on police officers, describing the initiative as a potential morale booster.

According to him, the state government had also proposed a 50 per cent fare discount for police officers across the integrated transportation system after the initial three-month complimentary period.

Akpanudom further commended the Ministry of Transportation and Logistics for spearheading the initiative, while acknowledging other interventions in healthcare, vision and dental care, education and financial empowerment for police personnel.

He also appreciated Air Peace for its continued support for the Nigeria Police Force, particularly rebates for police officers on local and international routes and special boarding preferences.

The AIG urged other state governments, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the initiative by investing in the welfare of police and other security personnel.

He said a well-supported police workforce would be better positioned to discharge its responsibilities effectively, adding that the transportation initiative would further strengthen the partnership between the Lagos state government and the Nigeria Police Force in advancing public safety and good governance.