The Lagos State Government has disbursed a total of N4.5 billion in insurance claims to beneficiaries of deceased employees from Local Governments, Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) since the inception of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration.
Insurance Claims Disbursement
This announcement was made on Friday by Dr. Nurudeen Yekini Lanre Agbaje, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development held in Alausa, Ikeja. Agbaje emphasized that the payment reflects the state government's dedication to worker welfare and social protection, noting that hundreds of families have received insurance claims following the deaths of their relatives while in active service.
According to Agbaje, "Three hundred and thirty-eight insurance claims were presented to beneficiaries of deceased SUBEB and Local Government staff during the period under review, while a total of N4.5 billion has been disbursed to families of deceased Local Government and SUBEB workers across the state since the inception of this administration."
Strengthening Grassroots Governance
The Special Adviser explained that this intervention is part of broader efforts to enhance grassroots governance, improve public service delivery, and promote accountability across Lagos' 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas. In addition to insurance payments, the ministry has maintained regular engagements with council chairmen through Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) meetings to ensure prudent management of public funds for grassroots development.
Resolution of Petitions and Issuance of Circulars
Agbaje disclosed that 48 petitions and complaints related to Local Government and LCDA operations were resolved during the period under review. Furthermore, 36 circulars were issued to improve policy compliance, accountability, and administrative uniformity across councils.
Capital Projects and Orientation Programmes
The ministry facilitated approvals for major council capital projects exceeding N35 million, organized swearing-in ceremonies for elected chairmen and vice-chairmen, and coordinated orientation programmes for newly elected political office holders.
Support for Traditional Institutions
Agbaje also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen traditional institutions. Four traditional rulers were installed during the review period, and recognized Obas across the state received welfare support, including food items and yuletide packages.
Rural Infrastructure Development
On rural infrastructure, the government commenced 10 road projects across various communities and completed 53 water schemes, comprising 28 Type "A" water schemes, 15 modified Type "A" schemes, and 10 solar-powered water installations. Additionally, 35 transformers and five standalone solar-powered streetlights were deployed in rural communities to improve electricity supply and stimulate economic activities.
The administration has approved 80 rural electrification projects since inception, with 42 completed and 38 at various stages of execution.
Community Development Initiatives
Community development remains a key priority, with three community halls constructed in Ikorodu, Badagry, and Ibeju-Lekki, while another facility was rehabilitated in Eredo LCDA. A total of 279 Community Development Associations (CDAs) were registered, 642 renewals processed, and 11 community disputes resolved within the last year.
Future Plans
The Special Adviser reaffirmed the administration's commitment to deepening grassroots development through continued investment in rural roads, water infrastructure, electrification, agriculture, and community empowerment programmes. He also disclosed that Governor Sanwo-Olu approved the construction of a new facility to serve as a coordination hub for traditional rulers, council chairmen, and community leaders, aimed at strengthening collaboration and promoting peace and development across the state.
