No fewer than 148 beneficiaries of deceased workers in Lagos State have received N799.84m in insurance benefits under a scheme designed to support families of public servants who die in service.
The beneficiaries, who are relatives of deceased employees of the State Universal Basic Education Board and local government councils, received the funds following the approval of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as part of the first tranche of insurance benefit payments for 2026.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr Nurudeen Agbaje, said the disbursement underscored the administration’s commitment to the welfare of public servants and their dependants.
Agbaje commended Sanwo-Olu for sustaining the payment of insurance benefits and ensuring that families of deceased workers receive the support due to them.
He disclosed that the state government had paid more than N5bn in insurance benefits to beneficiaries of deceased SUBEB and local government employees since 2017.
According to him, the initiative has helped many families navigate the economic challenges that often follow the loss of a loved one.
“Since 2017, the Lagos State Government has disbursed over N5bn in insurance benefits to beneficiaries of deceased SUBEB and local government staff across the State,” he said.
Agbaje noted that the continuous payment of the benefits demonstrated the government’s determination to fulfil its obligations to workers even after their death.
While sympathising with the beneficiaries, he urged them to deploy the funds judiciously, particularly towards the welfare, upkeep and education of children and other dependants left behind by the deceased.
He also called on desk officers involved in processing insurance claims to remain diligent and professional in verifying death certificates and other required documents to facilitate prompt payment of benefits.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Kikelomo Bolarinwa, represented by the Director of Local Government Administration, Margaret Adegelu, said the deceased officers had contributed significantly to the development of Lagos State during their years of service.
She urged the beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely in ways that would positively impact their families and preserve the legacies of their departed relatives.
Representatives of key stakeholders at the event also commended the state government for maintaining consistency in the payment of insurance benefits.
Among them were the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Hakeem Shittu, represented by Mrs Taibat Olona; the Managing Director of LASACO Assurance Plc, Ademoye Shobo, represented by Jumoke Koleosho; and the Managing Director of Haggai Insurance Brokers Limited, Olusegun Amure.
They encouraged the beneficiaries to use the funds prudently for the benefit of their families and dependants.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Promise Nnamadi expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for honouring the memories of the deceased workers through the payment of the insurance benefits.
He assured the government that the beneficiaries would make good use of the funds to support their families and sustain the legacies of their departed loved ones.